Lurine Lilian Cato, MBE, is a British gospel singer, songwriter and session vocalist who won the MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act in 2013 and was nominated in the same category in 2017. She was a finalist on the 12th Season of Britain's Got Talent 2018 with the B Positive Choir.

Lurine Cato
MBE
Britain's Got Talent with the B Positive Choir 2018
Background information
Birth nameLurine Lilian Cato
BornLondon, England
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • session vocalist
  • vocal tutor
  • public speaker
Instrument
  • Vocals
Years active2008–present
LabelsIndie
Website

Early life

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Cato began her musical career at the age of 3 at the COGIC UK National Convention.[1] She sang in the Sunshine Band, where she learned how to sing in harmony and developed her solo singing skills. She is the 9th of 11 siblings and considers her mother and sisters to be her first musical influences. At the age of 8, she entered the Enfield Borough Talent Competition with a song by Denise Williams called "Let's Hear It For The Boy" which resulted in her gaining second place in the competition. Her sister encouraged her to enter the following year where she sang "Greatest Love of All" by George Benson. Her performance won her first place, and she was awarded the Aunty G Cup. In her mid-twenties, she toured with the Lighthouse Family and the late Lynden David Hall. Later, she met Marie Carter and formed a group with two other female singers who called themselves Redeemed. There were multiple incarnations of the group until it finally became a duet with Cato and Carter. They went on to open concerts for Hezekiah Walker at Faith Chapel in Peckham and Kirk Franklin at the Royal Festival Hall in London and the Symphony Hall in Birmingham. Cato and Carter also sang with the Bibleway Mass Choir.

Career, notable performances and achievements

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As a backing vocalist, she toured with Australian singer Kylie Minogue in 2001 on her On A Night Like This Tour, and the following year, for Minogue’s KylieFever2002 tour.[2] Cato also recorded vocals for Adele's debut album 19 in 2008[3] on, "Best For Last".[4] She has also provided vocals for other noted artists such as Sigma,[5][6] Union J on songs like “You Got It All”,[7] Irish singer-songwriter Hozier on his Nina Cried Power EP,[8] Rebecca Ferguson on “Freedom”,[9] and Elton John's “Rocket Man”.[10]

In December 2016, Cato participated in a holiday concert at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel in aid of the Demelza Hospice Care for Children.[11] Earlier that year, she had also performed for the MVISA Awards alongside other artists such as Chyna Whyne, Zara Zykes and Wayne Marshall.[12]

As well as her MOBO Awards and nomination,[13] Cato has won other music awards including the Premier Gospel Award (Best Female Artist) in 2016 and 2017,[14] GMA, Italy, (Best International Vocalist of the Year),[3] BEFFTA Award 2013 (Best Gospel Act),[15] Wise Woman Award 2012 (WWA Woman In Music Award),[16], and an Honorary UK Entertainment Award 2017 (Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music)[17]. Cato also performed at the 2012 London Olympics for the Evening of Olympians celebration[18].

Lurine was a featured artist at the first annual European True Worship Summit a gospel conference at the Dominion Centre in Wood Green. The event culminated in a final concert where the B Positive Choir performed with Cato.

Cato was invited by Sadiq Khan Mayor of London to sing at his campaign dinner held at the Museum of London[19] and appointed as the official Vocal Coach for ITV's Sing It To Win It Competition 2018. The competition presenters included Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh and UK-based Afropop and Dancehall duo Reggie 'n' Bollie[20]

 
Lurine at the NHS 70th Celebration, York Minster Cathedral

Cato and the B Positive Choir appeared on The One Show on the BBC continuing their campaign to raise awareness of sickle cell and blood donation. Cato and the B Positive Choir are contestants on the Britain's Got Talent 2018 competition. After a successful audition on 14 April 2018 on ITV they received a 'yes' vote from all 4 judges. The judges combined with a public vote ultimately sent Calum Courtney[21] through to the finals. A decision between Calum and the B Positive choir moved Simon Cowell to get B Positive a wild card. After a week of performances, the wild card recipient was reported in OK Magazine[22] sending B Positive to the finals of Britain's Got Talent. Cato and the B Positive Choir reprised their audition song. Though they made it through to the finals they did not make it to the top three, which ultimately consisted of Lost Voice Guy, Robert White and Donchez Dacres; with Lost Voice Guy taking first place through a public vote.

Cato has been involved with the NHS 70th Celebrations performing at York Minster Cathedral. Lurine was the featured soloist with the B Positive choir at Westminster Abbey a service of celebration for Common Wealth Day. Other performers included the Dhol Foundation drummers, Clean Bandit, William Barton and Alfie Boe.[23]

On 6 March 2020, she was awarded the International Women's Day Award by the Mayor of Enfield along with Her Excellency Justina Mutale and Team GB sprinter and Olympics medal winner Desiree Henry.[24] On the 20 October 2019, Lurine performed at Rudolph Walker's OBE 80th birthday celebrations at the Hackney Empire.[25] On 17 and 24 November 2019, BBC1 aired its semi-final and final rounds of Songs of Praise' Gospel Choir of the Year where Lurine made a special guest appearance.[26] She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to charity and music.[27] On November 6, 2021 Lurine was the surprise guest of a star-studded guest line up to celebrate and honor unsung heroes within the community and business sector. Honorees for the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) awards included Kanya King, Ashley Cain and Safiyya Vorajee, campaigner Stuart Lawrence, Claire Goodwin-Fee, Liz Pemberton and Casey Bailey. Other attendees include Jamelia and Lemar[28] On 14 December 2021, Lurine attended her investiture at Windsor Castle to be presented with the MBE award for services to charity and music, the award was presented by Princess Anne.[29]

Charitable work

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Cato is active in charity work with The Children's Society, which aims to reduce world child poverty.[30]

In 2016 she performed at the St. James Palace for the Diana Award as part of the INSPIRE series which awards young people for improving the lives of other people and their communities.[31] After the performance, she was invited to perform at a private function at Althorp House, the home of Earl Spencer (brother of Diana, Princess of Wales).

She made her debut MOBO Awards TV performance with the B Positive Choir live at the prestigious[32] First Direct Arena in Leeds November 2017.[33] Subsequently, in December 2017, the B-Positive choir released a charity single called Rise Up,[34] which was originally sung by Andra Day, but with Cato as lead.[35][3][36] Later that month Cato performed at the St. Pancras station with the B Positive choir singing a mixed repertoire of Christmas songs to a captive audience.[37]

On 11 June 2019, Lurine and the B Positive Choir performed at the Audi Sentebale Concert at Hampton Court Palace along with other guest artists such as Rita Ora, Morena Leraba and the Inala Zulu Ballet. Also, in attendance was Prince Harry in support of the Sentebale, the charity he founded which supports children affected by HIV in South Africa.[38]

Community work

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Cato sang at One Minute in May, a concert focusing on young victims of violent crime held outside Downing Street.[39][40] Cato presented and performed at HM Prison Elmley for the Aspire Higher Violence Reduction Programme, which aims to focus on personal development, self-reflection, breaking bad habits, positive thinking, motivation and general inspiration for the prisoners and staff.[41]

The Mighty Men Experience is a programme which Cato herself created to highlight positive male role models in society today, and to bring men together to fight knife and gun crime. She came up with the anthem “Keep Fighting”, which was used as the project's main theme.[42]

In April 2020, Cato and a number of notable British artists came together to record the popular hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, on YouTube, with intent to bring a sense of hope and inspiration to the people of Great Britain, and wider global community of viewers, who had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.[43]

Cato collaborated with singers from the UK and abroad to record Amazing Grace by Dottie Rambo in aid of the Cavall Nurses' Trust . The effort, led by Cato, raised funds for National Health Service nurses who may be experiencing difficulties.[44]

Discography

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Release Album Tracks Label
October 2016 Chosen To Serve 13 Fresh Manna Records
Singles
Release Song Tracks Label
2019 "Keep Turning" 1 Fresh Manna Records
2018 "Be Loved" 1 Fresh Manna Records
2017 "Rise Up" (Lead Vocals) 1 B Positive Choir
2016 "Wave It Away" 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Power" 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Power" (Rare Candy Deep Mix) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Power" (Rare Candy Club Mix) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Power" (Giant Killer Mix) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Power" (Extended) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2016 "Keep Fighting" (The Mighty Men Choir) 1
2012 "Following The Star (Closer)" [Feat. Tony Momrelle & Jay Ess] 1
2012 "Following The Star (Closer)" [Remix] [Feat. Tony Momrelle & Jay Ess] 1
2016 "You Revive Me" (Green Remix) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2012 "You Revive Me" 1 Fresh Manna Records
2012 "You Revive Me" (Remix) 1 Fresh Manna Records
2002 "Shout It" [Feat. Brixton Gospel Choir] 1 Check Mate Records
2002 "We'll Get Thru It2 [Feat. Royalty] 1 Self Released
2000 "Soul Inside" 1 Baby Angel Recordings
Various Album Appearances
2003 Lost In Love (Sgt Slick vs. John Course DubKlash) Andy Van – Vicious Cuts – Top Tunes From Australia's Top Label (CD, Mixed, Comp) Ministry (Magazine) Australia
2003 Lost In Love DJ John Course – A Night Out With Vicious Grooves (CD, Mixed) Vicious Vinyl, Vicious Grooves, Festival Mushroom Records
2002 We'll Get Thru It Various – Twice As Nice Presents Mobo 2002 (The Very Best Of Urban) (2xCD, Comp, Mixed) Warner Dance
2000 FriendsTony Touch – R&B #25 – Get Your Sh*t Straight (CD, Mixed) Touch Entertainment
2000 FriendsDJ Poska – What's The Flavor? 40 (Cass, Mixed, Promo) Funky Maestro Entertainment
2000 Friends (The Sovereign Mix) – EZ Pure Garage 3 Warner Strategic Marketing UK, Warner Music UK Ltd.
Other Writing/Arranging
2012 You Revive Me – You Revive Me (CDr, Single) Fresh Manna Records
2003 I Don't Mind Tellin UGalactic Mutherland / Tiffany Persons – Destiny / Best Of Me (12") Varsity International
Vocals (Various)
2015 Wash The Pain Away [Markus Feehily – Fire] (CD, Album, Dlx) Harmoney Entertainment
2015 Changing (Radio Edit) Various – Fack ju Göhte 2 (Original Saundträck Zum Film)(CD) Polydor
2015 Changing (Sigma's VIP Remix Feat. Stylo G)Various – Drum & Bass Arena 2015 (3xCD, Mixed) AEI Music
2013 Hand On Heart (Radio Mix)Olly Murs – Right Place Right Time (CD, Album + DVD-V, NTSC + S/Edition) Syco Music, Epic, Sony Music
2010 The Winter Of My SpringsIncognito – Transatlantic R.P.M. Dome Records
2006 Seamus Haji & Steve Mac Feat. Erire – Happy (12") Big Love
2003 Lost In LoveDJ John Course* – A Night Out With Vicious Grooves (CD, Mixed) Vicious Vinyl, Vicious Grooves, Festival Mushroom Records
2002 I Will Follow (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Las Tardes En Ibiza (2002) (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) Vendetta Records
2002 I Will Follow (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Danceclub Awards 01 (2xCD, Comp) Kaos Records, Vidisco
2002 I Will Follow Various – Electricidade 2002 (2xCD, Comp) Vidisco
2002 I Will Follow (Wally Lopez & Dr. Kucho Weekend Remix)Various – Funktásticamix – This Is True House Music #2(2xCD, Comp, Mixed) Funktástica Records
2002 Una Mas – I Will Follow Hussle Recordings
2002 I Will Follow You (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Disco Heaven 02.02 (2xCD, Comp) Hed Kandi
2002 Tom The ModelBeth Gibbons & Rustin Man – Out Of Season Go! Beat
2001 All I Need (Deep Swing Filter Vocal) Una Mas – All I Need (12") Union Square Recordings
2001 Curtains Polydor
2000 Independence Day Gabrielle – Rise Go! Beat
Various Music Credits
Release Album Artist Credit
2021 All I Need (Is Believe) Milk & Sugar Lead Vocals
2019 Rocketman [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] – "Tiny Dancer" Elton John / Taron Egerton Vocals (Background)
2019 Wasteland, Baby! Hozier Vocals (Background)
2013 James Arthur James Arthur Choir/Chorus, Vocals (Background)
2010 Transatlantic R.P.M. Incognito Vocals (Background)
2007 Imaginacion Debbie Chorus
2007 Louie Vega in the House Composer
2007 Stereo Sushi Version 10 Composer
2007 Connected: Full Intention Producer
2006 For the Love of House, Vol. 3 Vocals (Background)
2006 Soul Heaven Presents DJ Spen & Osunlade Composer
2003 Club Nation 2002, Vol. 2 Dynamix Vocals
2002 Clubber's Guide to 2000 Judge Jules Vocals
2002 Defected Sessions: Full Intention and Smokinojo Masters at Work Vocals
2002 Kylie Fever 2002: Live in Manchester Kylie Minogue Vocals (Background)
2002 Out of Season Beth Gibbons / Rustin Man Vocals (Background)
2001 21st Century Disco [Smooth] Vocals
2001 Beetroot Cast Vocals (Background)
2001 You'll Love to Hate This Richard Blackwood Vocals
2000 Rise Gabrielle Vocals (Background)
Tales from the Beach/Transatlantic R.P.M. Incognito Vocals (Background)

Awards and nominations

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Year Award Category City Result
2022 Urban Music Awards[45] Best Gospel Act UK Winner
2021 The Lavine Hudson Award for Vocal Excellence[46] Step4wd Award UK Winner
2021 The Music Media Platform Awards Community Hero UK Winner
2020 TTM Collective Orchestra (UK) (Inspirational Love Songs Masterpiece feat. Various Artists including Lurine Cato & David Copeland 'My Greatest & My Latest Inspiration') Best Gospel Music Album of the Year USA Winner
2020 MBE Awardee UK Appointed
2020 International Women's Day Mayor's Award Awardee UK Awarded
2018 Trulife Gospel Music Awards Best Female UK Pending
2018 Premier Gospel Awards Best Female Act UK Nominated
2017 MOBO Awards Best Gospel Act UK Nominated
2017 UEA Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music UK Honorary
2017 Premier Gospel Awards Best Female Artist UK Winner
2016 Gospel Xplosion Music Media Awards Best RnB Female Artist of the Year UK Winner
2016 Premier Gospel Awards Best Female Artist UK Winner
2016 Gospel Music Awards Best International Artist Italy Winner
2016 Gospel Music Awards Best International Female Artist of the Year Italy Winner
2014 Gospel Music Awards Best International Female Vocalist of the Year Italy Winner
2014 Gospel Music Awards Best International Live Concert Italy Winner
2014 Gospel Music Awards Best International Music Event Italy Winner
2013 Gospel Music Awards Best International Song of the Year Italy Winner
2013 Praisetek Awards Best RnB Gospel Artist UK Winner
2013 BEFFTA Awards Best Gospel Act UK Winner
2013 MOBO Awards[47] Best Gospel Act UK Winner
2012 Wise Woman Awards[48] Music UK Winner

References

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  1. ^ "COGIC UK | COGIC UK". cogic.org.uk. Retrieved 2 February 2018.
  2. ^ Baker, William; MacDonald, Alan (18 November 2002). "Kylie Minogue: Kylie Fever 2002 in Concert – Live in Manchester". IMDb. Kylie Minogue, Andrew Small, Steve Turner. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  3. ^ a b c "MOBO Awards choir B Positive release charity single 'Rise Up'". NME. 11 December 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  4. ^ "Best For Last : Song by Adele". Jaxsta.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
  5. ^ "Jaxsta". jaxsta.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
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  10. ^ "Jaxsta". jaxsta.com. Retrieved 28 December 2020.
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  12. ^ "We Are MVISA". Biffestival.co.uk. Retrieved 9 March 2018.
  13. ^ "The nominees for the MOBO awards 2017 have been announced | Verdict". Verdict.co.uk. 17 October 2017. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  14. ^ Premier (23 April 2017). "Premier Gospel Awards 2017 winners announced – Premier". Premier. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  15. ^ "BEFFTA AWARDS UK 2013 2 DAY EXTRAVAGANZA BROUGHT STARS TOGETHER « BEFFTA AWARDS". Beffta.com. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  16. ^ "Lurine Cato: Winner of WWA Woman in Music Award (2012) | Wise Women Awards". Wisewomenawards.org. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  17. ^ "UK Entertainment Awards". UK Entertainment Awards. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  18. ^ "Lurine Cato – 'The Queen of UK Gospel'". Keep The Faith ®. 21 September 2015. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  19. ^ "African Gospel Praise Playlist | 7gospeltracks.com". African Gospel Praise Playlist | 7gospeltracks.com. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  20. ^ "Sing It To Win It". Itv.com. Retrieved 26 February 2018.
  21. ^ "Our pocket-sized superstar Calum Courtney is SHINING tonight! | The Final | BGT 2018". YouTube. 3 June 2018. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  22. ^ Rajani, Deepika (3 June 2018). "Britain's Got Talent: wildcard act revealed as the B Positive Choir ahead of grand final". OK! Magazine. Retrieved 7 June 2018.
  23. ^ "'They're just people as well': Prince Harry, Meghan meet young Canadians to mark Commonwealth Day". Cbc.ca. Retrieved 12 March 2019.
  24. ^ "Austin, Davis & Son Owner Awarded by Mayor of Enfield". Austin Davis and Son Funeral Directors. 7 March 2020. Retrieved 22 October 2020.
  25. ^ "Rudolph Walker's 80th birthday". Hackney Empire. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  26. ^ "BBC One – Songs of Praise, Gospel Choir of the Year – Part 1, Performance: Lurine Cato sings You Revive Me". BBC. Retrieved 18 November 2019.
  27. ^ "No. 63142". The London Gazette (Supplement). 10 October 2020. p. B68.
  28. ^ "MBCC Awards commends heroes in biggest celebration event yet". Thebusinessdesk.com. 8 November 2021. Retrieved 10 November 2021.
  29. ^ Jones, Tony (14 December 2021). "Author Anthony Browne hails 'best job in the world' after being made a CBE". Standard.co.uk. Retrieved 15 December 2021.
  30. ^ "lurine-cato". The Children's Society. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  31. ^ "The Diana Award 2016 Highlights | Diana Award". diana-award.org.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  32. ^ "DStv". Dstv.com. Retrieved 7 December 2020.
  33. ^ NHSBT. "B Positive Choir". Blood Donation. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  34. ^ Andra Day (2 July 2015). "Andra Day – Rise Up [Audio]". Retrieved 31 January 2018 – via YouTube.
  35. ^ "B Positive Choir". NHS Blood and Transplant. Retrieved 31 January 2018.
  36. ^ "B Positive Choir and Lurine Cato say 'Rise up and Give Blood'". NHS Blood and Transplant. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
  37. ^ "December | St Pancras International". stpancras.com. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
  38. ^ "Lurine Cato performs at the Audi Sentebale Concert at Hampton Court..." Getty Images. 11 June 2019. Retrieved 12 June 2019.
  39. ^ "One Minute in May vigil held for young knife crime victims". Voice-online.co.uk. Retrieved 21 February 2018.
  40. ^ "Lurine Cato: Chosen to serve". Voice-online.co.uk. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
  41. ^ "African Gospel Praise Playlist". 7gospeltracks.com. Retrieved 22 February 2018.
  42. ^ "The Voice". Voice-online.co.uk.
  43. ^ "Britain's gospel music community unite". Voice-online.co.uk. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 6 April 2020.
  44. ^ "Gospel singers unite for powerful rendition of 'Amazing Grace' in aid of healthcare workers". Itv.com. 12 April 2020. Retrieved 13 April 2020.
  45. ^ "Google Image Result". Google.com. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  46. ^ gospelmusicbuzz (4 December 2021). "The first ever Step FWD Awards was a resounding success!". Gospel Music Buzz. Retrieved 16 February 2022.
  47. ^ "BBC One - The MOBO Awards, 2013 - Winners for the 18th annual MOBO Awards 2013". BBC. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
  48. ^ "2012 Award Winners | Wise Women Awards". www.wisewomenawards.org. Retrieved 21 September 2024.
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