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The Hot Collective.
Our Music Collective! Band and Team.
"Professional Musicians with a Purpose"
At Hot Gospel we’re blessed to be supported by an incredible collective of professional musicians, who are each committed to their craft and their calling. As passionate followers of Christ, every member brings a spirit of worship, unity, and excellence to the stage and beyond. Our talented group of instrumentalists includes seasoned professionals on drums, bass, percussion, keys, organ, electric keyboard and guitar, creating a dynamic soundscape that lifts every note and word to new heights.
Our band is more than just a group of musicians – they're worship leaders who see gospel music as a powerful way to connect with people from all walks of life. From leading worship in churches to collaborating with Hot Gospel, they bring a rare depth of dedication, putting the mission of spreading the gospel through music above all else. Together, we’re on a mission to see gospel music flourish across the UK and within our local communities, inspiring joy, faith and connection wherever we go.
If you're ready to experience worship with soul, spirit, and professional artistry, come and join us on this journey.
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Helen Garnett, Founder and Vocal MD
Helen Garnett is a multifaceted musician, vocalist, and choir director known for her versatility and passion. She is a member of Revive Church https://revivechurch.co.uk/
As the founder of Hot Gospel, her charity For The Love of Gospel and All For One Choir she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, high-energy musical experiences that foster community and inspire audiences.
Helen’s musical journey began at the tender age of 15 where she fronted a rock band and later moved into soul and R&B. She found her calling for gospel in the seaside town of Hornsea, East Yorkshire after losing her late dad Ron Thompson, her main musical guide, mentor and champion.
From humble beginnings and dedication her choirs and reputation have grown to international recognition. Under her leadership Hot Gospel has performed alongside celebrated artists like Heather Small, Peter Andre, and Paul Carrack and have been finalists in the BBC’s Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition in 2019 and 2022.
With expertise across a range of instruments and extensive experience as a session vocalist and professional soloist, Helen brings a rich skillset to her projects. She has collaborated with major media organisations, and creates and enhances vocal arrangements with her unique artistic flair.
Helen’s charity For the Love of Gospel is dedicated to making the health and well-being benefits of gospel music accessible to everyone, regardless of their background. Her work embodies her deep belief in music's power to connect, uplift, and transform lives, resonating both on stage and within the communities she serves.
Antoine Robinson, Band MD , Keys and Organ. Track programmer.
Antoine is a dynamic and talented musical director known for his powerful influence in the gospel music scene. As joint musical director for Hot Gospel, Antoine brings a wealth of experience, deep musical insight and an unmatched passion for gospel music. His role involves co-leading one of the North’s most acclaimed gospel choirs alongside Hot Gospel’s founder Helen Garnett. Together they inspire and elevate the choir’s members and audiences alike with performances that are both technically impressive and deeply heartfelt.
Antoine’s musical journey has been marked by dedication and creativity. He is not only a talented vocalist but also an experienced leader with an exceptional ability to mentor singers and musicians to reach their highest potential. His involvement with Hot Gospel reflects his commitment to community and his belief in the transformative power of music, a philosophy he also champions as an advisor for the charity For the Love of Gospel.
With a keen ear for arrangement and a passion for innovative choral techniques, Antoine's impact on Hot Gospel has been profound, helping the choir build its reputation for excellence and inspiring performances.
John Prince, Bass Guitar
John has been holding down the low end with Hot Gospel since mid-2024.
His journey with the bass began in his early teens after starting out on classical and lead guitar as a young lad. Introduced to a huge variety of musical styles very early on, he has played bass in countless ensembles since the late 1980s from pub rock bands, big band jazz to pit orchestras for theatre productions.
Originally from Wakefield in West Yorkshire, John’s main influences have been jazz, soul, and funk - styles that gospel music has in abundance. He’s also a big fan of heavy metal, indie rock, Frank Sinatra, Level 42, country and western, classical music, dance, cheesy pop, and soppy ballads.
As a bassist John has performed, recorded, and rehearsed at some of the best venues and studios across the UK. During the 1990s he secured deals with Warner Chappell Music and Sanctuary Records, adding to an unforgettable chapter in his career.
Technically proficient in many styles, John has an innate sense of timing, rhythm, groove and musicality which are key elements in Hot Gospel’s rhythm section. He also has a great ear and attention to detail, as well a unique spontaneity which brings complex songs and arrangements alive. Always looking to push the boundaries, John’s bass work not only provides a solid foundation but also adds a vibrancy to all of Hot Gospel’s performances.
Hot Gospel has brought everything full circle for John and has combined his love for music, people, creativity, expression, and live performance. Working with Hot Gospel alongside talented musicians and close friends has also reignited his faith.
A self-confessed equipment geek, John admits to having owned almost fifty guitars over the years and is still on the lookout for another.
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James North, Keys, Percussion, Drums
With a lifelong passion that took root in church, James’ love for music began under the guidance of a pastor father in Hull. Immersed in the vibrant spirit of Pentecostal worship from the age of 11 he spent years ministering through music across the city, building a rich foundation in praise and worship. This early exposure to soulful music ignited a drive that eventually led James to a degree in music performance and advanced qualifications in music production.
A seasoned and versatile musician James has served as a musical director for various ensembles in the area, transforming local stages with musicality and dedication to excellence. Today he shines as a self-employed session musician, fluent in guitar, bass, keys, vocals, drums and percussion. These talents have been honed alongside running his own recording studio where creativity and craftsmanship come alive.
James says that being part of the Hot Gospel band has been an honour and a challenge, and one that he’s met with brilliance. He brings fresh energy and a distinctive flair to every performance. His commitment? To ensure each song reaches its full potential and then some. Whatever the music demands—bold rhythms, subtle harmonies, or electrifying solos—James is there bringing magic and mastery to each moment.
James has an unwavering dedication to quality and passion for praise and embodies the very spirit of gospel music - soulful, uplifting, and transformational.
Michael Oditah, Drums and Percussionist,
Michael is a skilled drummer and percussionist whose rhythmic heartbeat pulses with a singular passion - to praise God through music. Born and nurtured in the sacred environment of church worship, his musical journey began with just a pair of drumsticks, beating out a calling to serve the Lord.
Michael's versatility as a drummer has led him to collaborate with diverse bands and artists across multiple genres, from afrobeat to R&B, jazz, and rock. His impressive discography includes recordings with renowned artists, showcasing his adaptability and musical prowess.
Taking inspiration from gospel greats such as Kirk Franklin and Tye Tribbett, and jazz luminaries such as Tony Williams, Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl, Michael also incorporates the power of African rhythms in his playing.
Michael's heart remains anchored in gospel music, driven by an unshakeable commitment to use his gifts solely for the glory of God. With every beat he seeks to inspire, uplift, and bring listeners closer to their faith.
Nathan Verran, Guitar and Bass Guitar
TBC