The London African Gospel Choir brought an evening of pure joy to Brighton Dome, taking the audience on an extraordinary emotional journey through gospel favourites and their vibrant reimagining of Paul Simon’s seminal 1986 album Graceland.
From the very first notes, it was clear that this was going to be much more than a concert. With soaring voices, infectious rhythms, rich harmonies and an extraordinary sense of collective energy, the choir filled the Brighton Dome with warmth, passion and an irresistible spirit of celebration.
Their interpretation of Graceland – 40 years since it was released – breathed fresh life into songs that many of us have known for decades. Classics such as You Can Call Me Al and Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes were transformed through the choir’s distinctive sound, blending African musical traditions with the familiar melodies in a way that felt both respectful and wonderfully fresh.
But it was the sheer energy of the performers that made the evening so special. The choir and full band played with such passion and exuberance that the distinction between performer and audience gradually disappeared. By the end, the entire audience was on its feet, dancing and celebrating together.
There was something deeply uplifting about seeing a packed Brighton Dome united in that way. At a time when the world can often feel anxious and divided, this was a wonderfully positive evening of music, connection and shared humanity. The voices and energy of the choir seemed to have a genuinely transformative effect on the audience.
Graceland Reimagined is ultimately a celebration of cultural fusion, musical heritage and the power of live performance to bring people together. The London African Gospel Choir didn’t simply revisit a classic album, they made it feel alive again, infusing it with their own extraordinary spirit.
The London African Gospel Choir was founded 20 years ago by Crystal Kassi, and is made up of performers from different countries in the African Diaspora, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Ghana, Kenya, Zaire, Ivory Coast, Guadeloupe, Jamaica, Uganda and the Congo. On the 30th anniversary of Graceland, Camden’s Jazz Café commissioned the Choir to perform the album in its entirety, and they have performed with stars like Emile Sande, Mumford & Sons and Annie Lennox. They have also worked with Idris Elba, star of Mandela: Long Road To Freedom, who recruited them for an album celebrating South African music, recorded in tribute to Nelson Mandela.
An exhilarating, joyous and unforgettable night. Brighton Dome was dancing, and for a few wonderful hours, the world felt a little brighter.” Culturlaee Editor Lee Sharrock
