|PIC1|A gospel compilation album featuring the voice talent of some of the most powerful gospel singers in the UK has launched Tuesday.

The project, released by gospel production company Rockhill Music, features the likes of Brit Award nominee Rachel McFarlane and Oasis Award-winning artist Natalie Phillips.

The release of Acoustic Gospel Volume One was celebrated with a vivacious gospel performance party hosted by Premier Radio presenter Muyiwa last night at the Motion Bar in London.

Singer Wayeta Pilgrim, who is featured in the album and also co-hosted the party, opened up the stage with a dynamic performance. Numerous acts followed her, such as a capella group Meridian Flo, Ayodele featuring Alabaster, Mercy, and Natalie Phillips -all contributors of Acoustic Gospel.

Natalie Phillips shared with Christian Today prior to her performance: "There's so much happening in the UK gospel scene. We just need to kind of work together. There is so much talent - not just singing, but even rapping. If we can all just harness that together, I think we've got such a great future ahead of us."

|PIC2|Further regarding the future of gospel music in the UK, Akin Ogboye, CEO of Rockhill Music, shared with Christian Today: "I think there is a challenge. I think because there is a challenge, that means there is an opportunity for the first person who breaks through. I think what that person needs to do is to exploit the good way of the gospel."

He added: "[Rockhill Music's] vision is to take people from where they are and take them to where God wants them to be."

All profits from Acoustic Gospel album sales will be donated to charities Oxfam, Save the Children, Lauriston Primary School, and Harrington Hill Primary School based in East London.

In other news, a search for talented artists will proceed in 2007 for Acoustic Gospel Volume 2.