About Black Voices

Black Voices was founded and is led by its musical director Carol Pemberton. Since 1987, she has steered Black Voices in becoming a truly unique performance ensemble, focused on promoting singing the black oral tradition (SBOT).  The group, inspired by Sweet Honey in the Rock, and Take Six, has forged its own dynamic way of distilling and re-presenting black music from an African, Caribbean, black British perspective.

Grounded in the black church, the group presents a cappella, both sacred and secular, inspiring and entertaining. From spirituals to gospel, African to Caribbean, blues to jazz, folk and pop, Black Voices is firmly rooted in music that uplifts, challenges and educates. Carol presented Black Voices’ a cappella series on BBC Radio 2.  The group has performed on radio and television in numerous countries around the world.  They have produced several albums, always remaining true to its a cappella roots

Black Voices describe their repertoire as ‘a carefully woven tapestry covering a broad spectrum of musical styles’ and they continually add new threads of colour to their rich fabric of oral music.

Consistently honed over the last two and a half decades, their music transcends age, race, gender or religious persuasion. Black Voices has an extensive repertoire of traditional songs from Africa, Caribbean and English folk, jazz, gospel, pop and Motown.

Black Voices is known for its rich, powerful harmonies and stunning arrangements.  It has earned its reputation as the leading female a cappella quintet in Europe.

Black Voices has worked with many leading composers and arrangers, including Mark Kibble of Take 6, USA.

Current SBOT works include:

7 Songs for 7 Colours by Sara Colman


Spiritual Journey by Ken Burton


Freedom Suite by Tina Brooks


Reggae Suite by Peter Daley & Philip Herbert 


Jazz Suite by Laura Mvula