07.04.2020
Pentatonix Star Joins Discovery Gospel Choir Rehearsal
By Philip McKinley
One of the world’s most famous beatboxers and a founding member of the Grammy–award winning a capella group, Kevin Olusola from Pentatonix, joined Discovery Gospel Choir for a surprise appearance during their online rehearsal on Tuesday night last week.
Speaking from his base in Texas in United States, Kevin said that, “I’ve heard so much about the amazing work you’re doing in Dublin, so kudos to you all”. He noted however that, “This is a crucial time in the world when music gets to be utilised as a tool for peace, for love, for joy”.
Drawing on his own deep Christian faith, Kevin Olusola pointed choir members to “David in the Bible [who] used music to soothe Saul. In addition, as King he came to write songs that would help so many people, which still help us today”.
Pentatonix (abbreviated PTX) are one of most watched music groups in the world with 4.5 billion views online, including 500 million views for their version of Hallelujah and 230 million views for their version of Mary, Did You Know?.
They have also recorded and performed with musical luminaries such as Jennifer Hudson, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Smokey Robinson, Miley Cyrus, the Backstreet Boys and Dolly Parton.Kevin Olusola is particularly noted for developing the art of “celloboxing”, which combines cello playing and beatboxing at the same time.
Since the introduction of preventative measures for Coronavirus, Discovery Gospel Choir, who normally rehearse in St George and St Thomas’ Church in Dublin 1, have continued to meet weekly through the online platform Zoom.