Rap meets gospel in new charity single.

International development agency Christian Aid has released a charity single, alongside its Christmas Appeal, to raise awareness of people living in conflict.

The iNSIGNIA choir, based in Archway, north London, worked with Croydon-born musician Jords on the track - called Hold On To Hope.

Funds raised will help Christian Aid's local partners in supporting vulnerable communities, delivering emergency humanitarian aid, as well as long-term development projects.

Deborah Okeowo, Minister and one of the Team Leads for iNSIGNIA, explained the choir is part of the worship team at the multi-denominational church, Worship Tabernacle.

She said: “Currently, there are 65 members which includes singers and musicians. We had a great time recording with Jords and we hope that, on listening to this song and really taking in the lyrics, people will be comforted.

“When you look at what’s going on in the world, it’s very easy to lose hope. It can be easy to distance ourselves from what’s going on. In many ways we become desensitized to a lot of it and don’t really consider what it must be like to live in that environment with that constant fear of what’s going to happen next.

“Sometimes, we can feel helpless but moments of light can be an opportunity for us to connect.”

Croydon-born musician Jords comes from a musical family and started singing when he was young. He began taking it seriously when he was 16 and his music style blends several genres – from grime, house and drill, to jazz and R&B.

He signed with Universal Music in 2020 and his debut album, Almost An Adult, was released the next year, exploring themes of love and loss.

The 30-year-old said he was pleased to collaborate with Christian Aid on this song: “I feel I can offer the best of myself because it’s music and the purpose of the project speaks to me.

“It’s the first time I’ve worked with a choir rather than being in a choir and hearing the lyrics in this way touches you differently. I’m very happy we managed to bring loads of people together to create some beautiful art. My grandmother always said to me in difficult situations, look out for the helpers, and this is what gives you hope. This has brought people together for a cause and that gives us some hope.

“If one person hears the song and is influenced or helped by the lyrics or melody then I feel I’ve done a good job.”

Pete Moorey, Christian Aid’s Head of Community and Church Fundraising and Engagement, said he hoped the song would resonate with many audiences.

He added: “We are delighted with how the single has come together and can’t thank Jords and the choir enough for contributing their talents and expertise to help us spotlight hope in times of trouble.

“Today, the need for peacebuilding is more urgent than ever. Conflicts are becoming more protracted and complex, trapping communities in poverty through repeated cycles of violence and exclusion.

“Christian Aid’s partners work in many ways to support those affected and advocate for peace. There are lots of things people in this country can do to help – not least of which is downloading Hold On To Hope.”

Hold On To Hope – Jords X Christian Aid can be downloaded/streamed via the Christian Aid website -Hold On To Hope | Christian Aid ( www.christianaid.org.uk)