Karen Gibson

Karen Gibson, the acclaimed choir conductor and founder of The Kingdom Choir, is one of Britain’s most inspiring voices in both gospel music and racial equality. Widely referred to as “Britain’s Godmother of Gospel”, Karen’s lived experiences as a Black British woman have profoundly shaped her advocacy for inclusion and equity. Today, she uses her platform not only to inspire through music, but also to speak passionately on issues such as racial justice, representation in the arts, and empowerment through community. As a sought-after speaker, she addresses topics including overcoming adversity, the power of collective harmony, and the intersection of music and social change. Her powerful message resonates deeply because it is rooted in personal experience, cultural identity, and an unwavering belief in the power of diversity.

Karen’s journey began in a different field altogether. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, she worked as an IT Support Officer at Wandsworth Borough Council, where she developed key organisational and technical skills. Her passion for music later inspired a bold career shift to education, where she became a Music Teacher at Maria Fidelis Catholic Girls Convent School. It was here that she cultivated her skills as a choral conductor, leading the school’s gospel choir to national acclaim. One of the choir’s most notable performances was before Pope Benedict XVI and Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace—an early indication of Karen’s extraordinary leadership and musical vision.

Karen’s work has since attracted national and international recognition. She was appointed an MBE for Services to Music, and has received numerous awards including the BBC Radio 2 Church Minstrels of the Year, Songs of Praise Senior School Choir of the Year, and the Wise Women Award. She has led choirs at some of the world’s most prestigious events—from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s royal wedding to the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations. Her choir has also contributed vocals for music superstars and released a widely celebrated album, Stand By Me. With performances stretching across Japan, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, and the United States, Karen’s global influence continues to grow.

Karen’s keynote topics delve deeply into racial equality, drawing from her life and career to challenge systemic barriers and celebrate cultural heritage through music. Whether exploring the transformational role of gospel music or discussing the importance of representation in creative spaces, her talks are emotionally charged and incredibly impactful. She is hired not only for her commanding presence and musical accolades, but because she brings authenticity, warmth, and lived insight to every conversation—making her an invaluable voice in today’s drive for inclusion and social justice.