X Factor semi-finalist in Barking church concert  

Kerrie Anne Philips, who reached the semi-finals in the 2015 series of ITV’s X Factor, was among the performers in the latest Light Entertainment concert at Barking Baptist Church

The Baptist church's youth group was staging its fourth such concert, originally birthed in the wake of the London street riots in 2011 to demonstrate a more positive side of youth culture.

Kerrie explained that she had started singing in her local church at the age of five, and that the support of her church and family had encouraged her to pursue a career in music. She admitted to having felt a sense of relief at not making the finals of the popular TV talent show, but explained she believed that her future life and career were secure in the hands of God.

She also shared she was currently working with several producers on her debut album which would include soul, R & B and gospel tracks. In case anyone supposed that she had travelled to Barking in a chauffeur driven limousine, she explained that she had come via the London underground!

Kerrie was not the only talent show participant to appear on stage at the Baptist church concert, which took place on Saturday evening (29 October). 

The programme also included performances from the dancer Becca, who had appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, and the Project G Dance Group who had been semi-finalists on the programme Got to Dance back in 2012.

Contemporary dance played a major role in the Saturday evening entertainment with notable performances from a young man called David, who combined dance with poetry, and “acro-dancer” Teckisha who amazed the audience with her physical dexterity.



Music was provided by the Dellaway Steel Band (above) and members of the Genesis Church, a congregation of Romanian Christians meeting in Barking, who had also assisted with the lighting and sound for the evening’s event.

The young people of the church contributed a poetic drama, written and directed by their leader, Yemi Aderibige (24). Entitled Where is God?, the short play demonstrated the relevance of the Christian faith even in times of great hardship and suffering.



The spoken word also played an important part in the proceedings with young preacher Ada explaining the role of the Kingdom of God in the teachings of Jesus.

Author and motivational speaker Emeka Egbuonu spoke on the themes Hope, Responsibility and Purpose, encouraging his youthful audience to set their sights high and not to accept second best. In keeping with the concert's roots, Emeka issued a forthright appeal for an end to gun and knife crime and help for young people in finding their purpose in life.



The evening continued with the presentation of awards to the young performers who had taken part in the evening. Yemi Aderibigbe received special commendation for her role in organising and staging the evening. The audience slowly dispersed as the Dellaway Steel Band performed more of their music.

'Everyone at the concert felt that it had gone well and had been a worthwhile venture,' said Graham Hedges. 'This kind of event does not appeal to everyone, but I think it is true to say that the whole church was supportive of this event by the youth group, and were pleased that it had attracted a good audience.'