‘Hands up everyone who loves Jesus,” commands George Marage from the stage of London venue 229. The audience dutifully raise them. Marage nods thanks and the Harlem Gospel Travelers (otherwise known as HGT) start singing God’s Love. The young trio’s fervent voices are astounding, making them one of the most exciting new acts in US gospel – Elton John is a fan and has hosted HGT on his Apple Music radio show, and they performed on Joe Biden’s 2020 election campaign trail. But, while their close harmony and slick stage moves are common in the gospel scene, their openly expressed sexuality is not.
“The church can’t keep pretending we don’t exist,” says Ifedayo Gatling, HGT’s most forthright member, in 229’s dressing room. “And they need us – the gay community – like we need them.”
