Gospel music it is now one of the most popular music genres in the UK
and is an integral part of British culture. Young people in schools,
colleagues and Sunday services are turning to gospel music with
Caribbean and UK and urban influences with the hard hitting sounds and
beats of hip hop, soul, R&B and grime to express their joys, sorrows,
triumphs and experiences. Contemporary gospel music is more accessible
than ever before.
Music and arts are integral in galvanising
communities creating an environment and space that, gives us an
opportunity to connect in ways that politicians, religion cannot.
With Birmingham bidding to become the Capital Gospel Music we cannot
fail but to recognise the gifted and talented musicians from across the
region who share stories of hope and resilience that is born out the
black Pentecostal experience.
Beresford Dawkins leading
promotor and producer, in 1992 with other artistic associates founded
‘The Well’ a live monthly inclusive gospel showcase which crossed the
north south divide. The production included music production,
promotion, and artist management. Dawkins has gone on to receive
several accolades for his work.
* 2001 BBC WM Gospel Award -
contribution to gospel ‘The Well’
* 2002/3 Frank Stewart Award -
Outstanding contribution award to Gospel
*
2006 under his management
female artist Nu-life won MOBO award.
The Well programmed
monthly and annual events between the late 90’s through to the 2005
attracting diverse audience from across the country at venues such as
Symphony Hall, Birmingham Town Hall, Library Theatre, Birmingham
Conservatoire, achieving audiences from an intermate 200 to larger
audience of 1800. These events soon achieved credibility delivering
joint collaborative music promotions with artist from the USA i.e.
Sounds of Blackness, Fred Hammond and Radical for Christ, Commissioned
and Dawkins, and Dawkins.
After 24 years in gospel music
promotions Dawkins was presented in 2016’s GXMMA UK award for his
contribution and services to Gospel Music.
More recently
Dawkins is investigating the links between music, arts, mental health,
criminal justice, and the Black African /Caribbean church. Within the
last 10 years Dawkins has managed to develop projects that inform and
improve mental health literacy in local communities.
