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The Untold History of UK Gospel: 2004–2009 | Roger Moore & Marx Unpack Gospel Link Magazine | The Edge Ep. 194   "Without the guys before us—the ones that literally got persecuted for rapping in church—we would never have been able to put on these shows or build this platform."   Welcome back to The Edge on Affinity Xtra, hosted by Roger Moore alongside resident co-host Marx!   Triggered by recent retrospective lists in Keep the Faith celebrating 20 years of UK Gospel headline acts, Roger and Marx dive deep into the archives to reveal the raw, uncompromised ground-level truth of what the scene actually looked like between 2004 and 2009.   Before Instagram, Spotify, and YouTube algorithms took over, Roger was self-funding, designing, and distributing Gospel Link Magazine—a free, full-colour independent publication that ran for over 40 issues, printing up to 15,000 copies per run from Birmingham and personally hand-delivering them across London and the UK.   Marx and Roger physically unbox original issues from 2004 onwards, examining how Gospel Link gave a voice to the division-two acts, urban gospel MCs, producers, and regional stalwarts that mainstream media ignored. Plus, they break down the legacy of GL Live (putting on historic, all-rap gospel tours with Lecrae and The Ambassador / The Truth when venues said it was impossible), the financial and personal sacrifices behind independent Black publishing, and why they are launching a nationwide campaign to honour up to 100 Unsung Heroes of UK Gospel!   💬 Drop a comment below: Who was your favourite UK Gospel artist or group from the 2000s era? Let us know in the comments! 👇   #TheEdge #AffinityXtra #UKGospelHistory #GospelLink #RogerMoore #Marx #UKCHH #UnsungHeroes #BlackBritishMedia #GospelRap #BeExtra   https://youtu.be/v4wyCcG7tlY

💬 "Exams focus on a small set of skills to prove that you have a wider set of skills... Our slogan is educate to empower—empower the kids through academics and empower the parents to support their family." Yes, yes, yes, people! Welcome back to The Edge on Affinity Xtra, hosted by your boy Roger Moore, where we celebrate gospel music of black origin, champion community trailblazers, and dive deep into real, unfiltered life conversations. In this enlightening and heartfelt episode, Roger sits down with former English teacher, artist, and educational visionary Taleisha Hutton, founder of Eudaiton Education.   From studying law at the University of Birmingham to discovering an undeniable passion for teaching in the classroom , Taleisha opens up about her personal journey, facing major health battles that forced her out of standard classroom teaching , and how God turned a desolate season into a flourishing mission to educate and empower families.   Taleisha breaks down why academics are only one piece of the puzzle, how parents and grandparents can bridge the gap in their children's learning , and why understanding school systems—from the Year 6 to Year 7 transition to GCSE grading and SEND support—is a full family affair.   🕒 What to Expect in This Episode: The Accidental Teacher: How giving a GCSE speech on why she’d never be an English teacher turned full circle into a lifelong passion for mentoring students. The Pivot & Health Journey: Facing fibroids and chronic fatigue, having the faith to "expand your tents" (Isaiah 54), and transitioning into online tuition. Demystifying the Grading System: Understanding the modern 9–1 GCSE grading structure, avoiding common traps, and redefining success beyond test scores. The Parent Education Series: Why equipping parents with tools for open evenings, SEND/ADHD/Autism diagnoses, and behaviour systems changes a child's trajectory. Critical Skills & Practical Parenting: Moving away from screen addiction (Roblox/iPads) toward active reading comprehension, critical analysis, and family well-being. Community & Grandparent Power: Why grandparents are stepping up in this generation to fund education and empower their wider families.   🔗 Resources & Connections: Eudaiton Education Website: https://www.eudaitoneducation.co.uk/ Parent Education Series & Tuition Info: Sourcing expert-led workshops on Year 6/7 transition, GCSEs, SEND, and school behaviour. Affinity Xtra Network: Be Extra! Celebrating gospel music of black origin, faith, and community culture.   💬 Drop a comment below: What was the biggest challenge you faced navigating the UK school system as a parent or student? Turn on notifications, like, share, and subscribe to support independent platforms empowering our community! 🔔👇   https://youtu.be/2fXD9ybxu9E

Gospel Link 360, led by Roger Moore and a team of key partners in Gospel Music, has launched a platform to bring authentic Christian media to the forefront. Together, they aim to engage with music, Christian and community affairs, and provide a genuine platform for Christian content.   #UrbanGospel #Gospel #Music #Talkshow #Interviews #Community #Radio #Podcast #Contemporary #Christian #Urban #HipHop #Rap #UKRap #RnB #NeoSoul #SpokenWord #Numark #DJ #Djay #Spotify   UrbanGospel, gospel, Music, contemporary, Christian, community, talkshow, dj, radio, interviews, Podcast, Contemporary, Christian, Urban, HipHop, Rap, UKRap, RnB, NeoSoul, SpokenWork, Numark, DJ, Djay, Algoriddim, Spotify   Affiliation

Welcome back to 7Sharp on Affinity Xtra with your hosts Blu and co-host Roger Moore! In Episode 37, the lads dive headfirst into an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes conversation unpacking church musician culture, industry politics, and the state of modern Christian artistry. From calling out how church musicians went from faithful servants in evening services to "quiet assassins" and mini-Beyoncés playing strictly for social media clout, to dissecting Kirk Franklin’s controversial collaboration with secular rap artist GloRilla—no topic is off-limits. Blu and Roger challenge whether the gospel industry is guilty of spiritual elitism, discuss Maverick City Music’s rapid rise and cracks, reflect on early Birmingham gospel scene movements like One Quest and Gap Movement, and ask the hard question: Are we creating music that blesses people while failing to live the message ourselves?   ✨ About Affinity Xtra: We celebrate gospel music, culture of Black origin, and bring you real, grounded conversations on faith, identity, and community. Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a friend! 🔔🙌   #7Sharp #AffinityXtra #RogerMoore #Blu #KirkFranklin #GloRilla #ChurchMusicians #UKGospel #ChristianPodcast #WorshipCulture #MaverickCityMusic   https://youtu.be/GHaEI9Vim0c

The Story of SHEKINAH: The 90s UK Rap Group That Changed Everything | The Edge Ep. 189   For the first time in 30 years, the original members of the legendary UK rap/reggae gospel group Shekinah reunite in the flesh for an exclusive, raw interview on The Edge with host Roger Moore!   About This Episode: Before internet distribution, streaming playlists, or mobile phones took over, a radical movement was quiet-firing through the Midlands. In this milestone episode of The Edge on Affinity Xtra, Roger Moore sits down with Dennis, Casey, Jamal (DJ Jammer), and Robin (Assassin) to chart the gritty, uncompromised history of the UK urban gospel scene.   From the streets and road culture of Handsworth and Birmingham to the historical 1992 launch at Trinity Fellowship, hear the firsthand account of how four young men mixed raw hip-hop beats, Jamaican dancehall, and heavy spiritual discipline to build a literal dynasty. They dive deep into the mixtape culture, the infamous roadblock nights at the Porsche Club and Fitness First, their national BBC Black Britain feature, and the legendary mainstage moment at the 1996 Manchester Carnival that shook the scene.   This isn't just a look back at music history—it's a masterclass on pioneering, facing resistance within the traditional church, overcoming trauma, and staying true to a radical calling.   "Hip-hop was our language. A group of guys just wanted to express our love for God through the language of hip-hop, and we just dived right in."

Apple iPhone Duo vs 18 Pro Max: Is the Foldable Crease Finally Fixed?! 📱👀 | Tech Xtra 27   "You can get rid of the crease by just giving it a matte finish... they got rid of the reflection, so it makes it harder to see."   Tech Xtra is back on Affinity Xtra! Following the latest Apple launch event, hosts Roger Moore and Marx sit down to analyze the brand-new hardware lineup.   Marx breaks down his initial hesitation with folding tech and how the inner matte display of the new iPhone Duo challenges the crease dilemma. Meanwhile, Roger looks at why he's ready to move from his iPhone 15 Pro Max up to the 18 Pro Max—breaking down the practical benefits of the larger screen for field production, controlling Lumix cameras and DJI rigs, and testing out the variable aperture system.   The guys also examine: iPhone Duo vs. Pro Max: Screen real estate, multi-angle camera previews, and whether content creators actually need a folding device. Apple Watch Series 12 & Ultra 4: Upgraded biometric sensors, audio intelligence, recovery tracking, and why watch upgrades are slowing down. AirPods 5: Why Apple putting Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) into both base models at £120 changes the game against budget competitors. Finance Realities: Apple Store monthly payment options vs. UK carrier contracts.   ✨ About Affinity Xtra: We celebrate gospel music, culture of Black origin, and bring you real, candid tech talk from active creatives and media professionals.   Drop your thoughts in the comments: Are you risking the fold with the iPhone Duo, or sticking with the Pro Max slab? Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE! 🔔📱   #TechXtra #AppleEvent #iPhoneDuo #iPhone18ProMax #AppleWatch12 #AirPods5 #AffinityXtra #RogerMoore #TechReview   https://youtu.be/8E5JtT6xdiA

Why GoPro Flopped, Lumix vs Sony & Is DJI Dominating Everything?! & The Insane Cost of RAM! 🤯 | Tech Xtra 26   "If you are new to this game right now... you can lose just doing an event!" Tech Xtra is BACK on Affinity Xtra! After a busy summer break, your boys Roger Moore and Marx link back up in the studio to break down the latest chaotic shifts across cameras, audio gear, and the creator economy.   From solving live studio routing nightmares with vintage mini-HDMI leads to dissecting why GoPro's latest moves flopped against DJI's dominant ecosystem, the lads hold nothing back. Roger breaks down his real-world experience filming a 6-hour set at Notting Hill Carnival with the Lumix S5IIX, 360 cameras, and the Panasonic DMW-MS1 mic—plus the harsh financial reality facing new videographers with skyrocketing RAM, V60 SD card, and SSD storage prices.   ✨ About Affinity Xtra: We celebrate gospel music, culture of Black origin, and bring you authentic tech and lifestyle talk from real working professionals.   Enjoying the show? Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and hit the notification bell! 🔔🙌   #TechXtra #AffinityXtra #RogerMoore #GoProVsDJI #LumixS5IIX #NottingHillCarnival #CameraGear #SmallRig #VideographyLife   https://youtu.be/YN5u4i_Sfgg

The £18,000 Mac Studio, iPhone 18 & Foldable Screen Lies?! 🍏 | Tech Xtra 25   "I hate Windows laptops... you hit restart to do updates, you go cook dinner, have a bath, watch the football, come back and it's STILL not done!"   Recorded two days before Apple's major September launch event, Roger Moore and Marx sit down for an all-out Apple deep dive on Tech Xtra! The lads debate everything from the upcoming iPhone 18 and ultrathin iPhone Air 2 to why Marx refuses to buy an Apple Fold/Ultra until the screen crease completely disappears.   They also break down the potential game-changer of a sub-£400 "Mac Mini Neo," speculate whether touchscreen Macs will actually arrive before 2029, test how far you can configure a monster £18,000 M5 Ultra Mac Studio, and examine why Apple's rumoured smart home displays and AirPods hearing aid features might quietly win the ecosystem war.   ✨ About Affinity Xtra: Celebrating gospel music of Black origin, tech insights, and authentic creator culture.   Drop your thoughts in the comments: Would you ever buy a foldable iPhone with a crease, or are you waiting for the Mac Mini Neo? 👇 SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! 🔔   #TechXtra #AppleEvent #iPhone18 #MacStudio #VisionPro #MacMini #AppleLeaks #TechDebate #AffinityXtra   https://youtu.be/wDiiupU2dA4

The Edge 163 - Lian R Jacobs: From Christian Youth Worker to Confidence Coach   In this episode of The Edge Show, host Roger Moore sits down with Lian R Jacobs, a confidence coach with a remarkable journey of growth and transformation. Leanne shares her story, starting from her experiences within a Pentecostal home church (Church Of God Of Prophecy) to the Salvation Army, and on to an international Christian organisation. Despite facing unemployment, Lian found a calling as a confidence coach, where she now dedicates herself to empowering and inspiring others. Tune in to hear about her path to success, personal development, and how she continues to bless those around her.     #TheEdgeShow #LeanneRJacobs #ConfidenceCoach #RogerMoore #AffinityExtra #FaithJourney #PersonalDevelopment #Pentecostal #ChristianLife #SalvationArmy #Empowerment #SuccessStory   https://youtu.be/9HNR-_QYJRE

Carnival Realities, Black History Month Debate & AI Panic! 🚨 | 7Sharp with Blu & Roger Moore   "We want to be in all these bougie events... but two million people are at Carnival and where is the church presence?"   Welcome back to 7Sharp on Affinity Xtra with your hosts Blu and co-host Roger Moore! In this episode, the lads sit down for an unfiltered, hilarious, and thought-provoking conversation dissecting modern culture, faith, and identity.   From the dread of seeing Christmas decorations in early September to a candid debate on whether Black History Month has become tokenistic, Blu and Roger don't shy away from uncomfortable truths. Roger breaks down his recent trip to Notting Hill Carnival—sharing his honest thoughts on modesty, culture, and why Christian creatives and gospel sounds are missing from the massive street platforms. Plus, they tackle DNA surprises, representation in UK TV, the rising hysteria around AI taking over creative spaces, and why pastors using ChatGPT for sermons completely miss the mark   Key Highlights in This Episode: September Blues & Christmas Creep: Why supermarkets putting out festive aisles in early September stresses everyone out. The Black History Month Debate: Moving past tokenism, remembering figures like Marcus Garvey, and teaching true legacy in schools. DNA Surprises & Identity: Portuguese roots, African lineage, and dealing with childhood assumptions. Notting Hill Carnival Review: Roger’s honest reflections on the atmosphere, modesty on the road, and whether modern society is completely desensitized. Where is the Church? Why faith communities have become too "bougie" to minister at major grassroots street events. AI, Terminator & Preaching: Cheap AI flyers, robotic sprint records, and why letting ChatGPT write church sermons is lazy leadership. Mentorship & Longevity: Giving people their flowers while they can smell them and supporting the next generation of creative talent. ✨ About Affinity Xtra: We celebrate gospel music, culture of Black origin, and bring you honest, thought-provoking dialogue for our community. Enjoyed this episode? Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE with a friend! 🔔🙌   #7Sharp #AffinityXtra #RogerMoore #Blu #NottingHillCarnival #BlackHistoryMonth #ChristianPodcast #UKCulture #AIMusic #FaithAndCulture #BeExtra   https://youtu.be/lWzBSEmvows

WE ARE BACK! 🔥 Relationship Clout, Gospel Industry Secrets & Media Double Standards | 7Sharp Ep. 35   "Love is sacrifice... If I'm committing to a relationship, you’ve got to see it through in the good and the bad."   7Sharp is officially BACK on Affinity Xtra! Host Blu and co-host Roger Moore link back up in the studio to bring their raw, transparent, and unfiltered Christian perspective to current culture, faith, and trending headlines.   In this episode, the duo tackles the rising trend of sensationalised relationship panels, breaking down why modern dating culture prioritises viral "vibes" over commitment, communication, and biblical foundations. From reacting to viral clips about chasing men and relational grace to diving deep into UK Gospel industry politics, promoting local talent, and addressing mainstream and digital media accountability—nothing is off limits.   Key Topics Covered in This Episode: We’re Back: Surviving the heatwave, longevity in content creation, and keeping the energy alive. The Gospel Music Circuit: US artist tours, high ticket prices, and the urgent need to invest back into UK creatives and grassroots platforms. Dating Panels & Modern Relationships: Breaking down viral panels, Proverbs 31, "breadcrumbing," and why commitment requires real sacrifice over temporary vibes. Patience, Urgency & Household Roles: Unpacking viral relationship debates on household division, male urgency, and communication. Surrogacy Ethics: A nuanced reaction to international surrogacy dilemmas and contractual custody battles. Media Accountability & Online Toxicity: Scrutinizing clickbait platforms, armchair commentators (including Officer Tatum), and why the community must protect and elevate positive narratives. Legacy & Investment: Why the older generation needs to actively reinvest in youth mentorship, platforms, and community infrastructure. ✨ About Affinity Xtra: We celebrate gospel music, culture of Black origin, and provide honest, thought-provoking dialogue for our community.   Enjoyed this episode? Make sure you SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE with a friend! Loads more content is on the way. 🙌   #7Sharp #AffinityXtra #RogerMoore #RelationshipTalk #UKGospel #ChristianPodcast #ModernDating #MediaAccountability #BlackBritishCreatives #FaithAndCulture

Tragedy in Birmingham: The Baptism Manslaughter Case | 7Sharp with Blu & Roger Moore   Welcome back to 7Sharp! After a short hiatus, Blu and Roger Moore are back to cut through the noise.   In this episode, we tackle a heavy story hitting close to home in Birmingham—a tragic baptism in Erdington that has led to a manslaughter case against a local pastor. We discuss the "duty of care" in spiritual spaces and why professional standards shouldn't stop at the church doors.   Then, things get a bit lighter (but no less heated) as we dive into a "Cheating or Not?" debate. Is accepting a drink from a stranger crossing the line? Is giving out your Instagram just "business," or are you setting yourself up for the kill?   #7Sharp #BluAndRogerMoore #BirminghamNews #ChurchAccountability #RelationshipDebate #IsItCheating #BrumTown #FaithAndCulture   https://youtu.be/-J6bqLHgyvQ

10 Years of Celebrating Kingdom Excellence: Annette B on the GX Awards 🏆✨ | The Edge Ep. 192   💬 "We need encouragement while we're down here on Earth... This is just a way, while we're here in the natural, giving them their flowers." Yes, yes, yes, people! Welcome back to The Edge on Affinity Xtra, hosted by your boy Roger Moore, where we celebrate gospel music of black origin, honor our trailblazers, and dive deep into real kingdom culture. In this long-overdue and inspiring episode, Roger sits down with gospel artist, radio host, and visionary event organizer Annette B, the founder of the iconic GX Awards (Gospel Explosion Awards). From starting out as a hostess manager at the Screen Nation Awards to stepping out in faith to launch the UK’s first consistent kingdom awards ceremony in 2015 , Annette opens up about the true cost, risk, and spiritual heart behind running a major independent event. She shares testimonies of lives transformed , the behind-the-scenes reality of organizing vs. performing , and why honoring independent gospel artists will always be a timeless calling.     🕒 What to Expect in This Episode: The Vision Drop: How watching Idris Elba and mainstream stars at Screen Nation inspired Annette to launch a platform to honor gospel ministers. The Reality of Event Promotion: The risks promoters take, why artists need to support with sharing, and what it takes to have "nerves of steel". Giving Flowers While Here: How a simple nomination has restored deflated artists, birthed radio stations, and saved careers from being put down. The Evolution of the GX Awards: Diversifying categories to cover podcasts, urban gospel, reggae, and supporting non-mainstream talent. GX Awards 2026 Details: Looking ahead to Saturday, September 5th, 2026, at the iconic Birmingham Town Hall —including ticket tiers, food options, the "Top 4" reveal format, and the official Pepper Pink dress code theme!   🎟️ Event Details & Links: 📅 Date: Saturday, September 5th, 2026 🏛️ Venue: Iconic Birmingham Town Hall 🎟️ Tickets & Info: https://thegxawards.com/ 💖 Dress Code Theme: Pink / Pepper Pink 💬 Drop a comment below: Have you ever attended the GX Awards or been impacted by an independent UK Gospel artist? Let us know in the comments!   Turn on notifications, like, share, and subscribe to support independent Black media and kingdom culture preservation! 🔔👇   #TheEdge #AffinityXtra #GXAwards #AnnetteB #RogerMoore #UKGospel #KingdomExcellence #BirminghamTownHall #GospelMusic   https://youtu.be/-ag0EfUzMyU

Institutionalising Our Legacy: Uncovering Black British Military Service with Donald Campbell | #TheEdge   💬 "When you're on the front line, the bullet has no discrimination whatsoever. The poppy is a representation of military presence... and Britain is what it is because of us." Yes, yes, yes, people! Welcome back to The Edge on Affinity Xtra, hosted by your boy Roger Moore, where we celebrate gospel music of black origin and dive deep into our rich, living history. In this long-overdue and deeply moving episode, Roger is joined by RAF veteran, historian, and community elder Donald Campbell, founder of The Forgotten Generations. From coming to the UK from Jamaica as a young boy to serving 36 years as an RAF engineer across fast jets and helicopters worldwide , Donald shares his remarkable journey through Northern Ireland, the Falklands, and the Gulf Wars. More importantly, he breaks down his vital mission: ensuring the sacrifices and contributions of Black African and Caribbean service personnel are permanently written into British history. 🕒 What to Expect in This Episode: From Jamaica to the RAF: How a 13-year-old boy from Birmingham high-rises qualified to handle life-support systems on fast jets and helicopters for over three decades. Trench Realities & Facing Ignorance: Standing guard in 1970s Northern Ireland at age 18 , navigating military rank, and overcoming racial prejudice by letting capability speak loudest. The Power of the Poppy: Breaking down the true meaning of remembrance, front-line sacrifice, and why Black service personnel belong at the national table. The Forgotten Generations: The inspiration behind founding the organization, receiving a Points of Light Award at No. 10 Downing Street , and creating UK-wide virtual and physical exhibitions. Mental Health & The Returned Generation: A hard-hitting look at PTSD in Black veterans , the trauma of children "left behind" in the Caribbean during the Windrush era , and changing the national school curriculum permanently. 🔗 Resources & Connections: The Forgotten Generations Website: https://theforgottengenerations.com/ Explore the Virtual Museum: Experience the stories, interviews, and artifacts directly on their platform. 💬 Drop a comment below: Did you have family members from the Commonwealth who served in the Armed Forces? Let us know their stories! Turn on notifications, like, share, and subscribe to support independent Black media and history preservation! 🔔👇   #TheEdge #AffinityXtra #TheForgottenGenerations #DonaldCampbell #RogerMoore #BlackBritishHistory #RAF #WindrushGeneration #LestWeForget #UKGospelNetwork   #TheForgottenGenerations #BlackBritishHistory #DonaldCampbell #RogerMoore #TheEdgeShow #AffinityXtra #RAFHistory #WindrushLegacy #LestWeForget #BlackMilitaryHistory #RoyalAirForce #CaribbeanVeterans #BritishHistory #CommunityElders #BlackExcellenceUK   https://youtu.be/w_R9veeIdXA

Building the UK Urban Gospel Circuit: Roger Moore Cuts It Up with DJ Proclaima | #TheEdge 190 💬 "We came from a time of no YouTube, no Google, no smartphones. When we started, there was literally no urban gospel music to play—so we had to build it." Yes, yes, yes, people! Welcome back to The Edge on Affinity Xtra with your host, Roger Moore. In this highly anticipated episode, we are launching a systematic, deep-dive exploration into the raw, unfiltered History of UK Urban Gospel Music. No sugarcoated tales, no sycophantic exaggerations—just the 100% ground-level truth. Joining Roger in the studio is a certified trailblazer, a massive pillar of consistency, and a true global powerhouse in the gospel reggae scene: DJ Proclaima. From growing up in the heavy, violent ends of Nottingham (back when it was dubbed "Shooting-ham") to navigating the traditional church pushback against fresh urban sounds , Proclaima opens up about his incredible journey. 🕒 What to Expect in This Episode: The Early Days in the East Midlands: Why Nottingham and Leicester were massive, overlooked cultural hubs for sound system culture and urban gospel in the 90s and 2000s. * The Gen X & Soul Cure Movement: Looking back at the legendary monthly Gen X events at the Central Methodist Mission and the spiritual warfare behind it. * Pioneering the YouTube Era: How a corporate marketing background helped Proclaima break global algorithms and rack up millions of views, making gospel reggae universally accessible. * International Power: Mind-blowing testimonies from touring America with Rico Fogarty, playing outside gun shops, and watching lives completely transform. * The Future of Content: A hard-hitting take on modern AI-generated music, autotune laziness, the triumphant return of vinyl, and why authenticity will always outlast the "fake food" of the industry. This is more than a podcast; it’s a living blueprint for the next generation of Christian creatives. It’s time to respect what the trailblazers put in. #UKGospel #GospelReggae #DJProclaima #RogerMoore #TheEdgeShow #AffinityXtra #SoulCure #GenXNottingham #ChristianPodcast #BlackOriginMusic #ReggaeGospelMix #HistoryOfUKGospel #FaithAndCreativity   https://youtu.be/GcFv6FMoyVg