Colin Peters

Colin Peters, born in Birmingham in 1967 to Jamaican parents, began his profound musical journey in the Church of God of Prophecy.

A childhood move to Saltley at age nine proved pivotal, as he was “forced” to pick up the bass due to a lack of skilled musicians at his father’s new church. He developed his skills alongside his cousin, Jeffrey Kennedy (lead guitar), concentrating on bass lines while playing in the small church, which was a challenge compared to the larger congregations with established choirs.

At Stockland Green secondary school, he met his lifelong friend and “great guitarist” Peter Cunningham, who first affirmed his playing. He also connected with fellow bassist Patrick White and others, whose friendships and collaboration in school assemblies were crucial to shaping his musicianship.

A pivotal moment occurred at age 15 when Joy Watson, choir leader of Aberdeen Street, and Josh McCullough recognized his talent and invited him to join the prestigious Aberdeen Street choir as their new bassist. Colin considers this foundational, influencing his playing and attitude to this day. Joining the choir exposed him to top musicians like Dale and Robin Watson, further refining his skills.

Secretly, Colin drew influences from diverse secular artists like Chic, Earth, Wind & Fire, and Bob Marley, noting the “element of groove” in all their music, alongside gospel greats such as Andrae Crouch. By age 17, Colin was a well-established bassist, playing at major UK conventions. He became a significant mentor to many peripheral musicians in Birmingham, helping them gain confidence and “evolve” their talents.

Despite achieving global success and touring with major secular artists like Ruby Turner, Boyzone, and Jackie Graham, his father only fully recognized his talent when his grandchildren insisted he attend an X Factor tour performance.

Driven to rejuvenate Birmingham’s gospel scene, he founded the Birmingham Community Gospel Choir, bringing in Maxine Brooks to lead it. He also established “Gospel Central” to promote gospel music in secular nightclubs, providing a crucial platform for artists and exposing wider audiences to the music’s church origins.