# Lurine Cato

Lurine Lilian Cato, MBE is a British gospel singer, songwriter, and session vocalist. She won the MOBO Award for Best Gospel Act in 2013 and was nominated for the same category in 2017. She was a finalist on the 12th Season of Britain's Got Talent 2018 with the B Positive Choir.

## Early life

Cato began her professional musical career at the age of three at the COGIC UK National Convention. As part of the Sunshine Band, Cato showcased her singing skills, including harmony and solo performance.
Born into a family of eleven children, Cato cites her mother and sisters as early musical influences. At the age of eight, she entered the Enfield Borough Talent Competition, performing Deniece Williams' "Let's Hear It For The Boy" and winning second place. The following year, she won first place with her rendition of George Benson's "Greatest Love of All" and was awarded the Aunty G Cup.
In her mid-twenties, Cato toured with the Lighthouse Family and Lynden David Hall. She later formed the group Redeemed with Marie Carter, which eventually became a duet with Carter. The duo performed as opening acts for artists such as Hezekiah Walker, Kirk Franklin, and the Bibleway Mass Choir.

## Career, notable performances and achievements

As a backing vocalist, Cato toured with Australian singer Kylie Minogue on her On A Night Like This tour in 2001, and the following year for Minogue’s KylieFever2002 tour. Cato also recorded vocals for Adele's debut album 19 in 2008 on "Best For Last." She has also provided vocals for other noted artists such as Sigma, Union J on songs like “You Got It All”, Hozier on his Nina Cried Power EP, Rebecca Ferguson on “Freedom”, and Elton John on "Rocket Man.”
In December 2016, Cato participated in a holiday concert at the Old Royal Naval College Chapel to benefit the Demelza Hospice Care for Children. Earlier that year, she had also performed for the MVISA Awards alongside other artists such as Chyna Whyne, Zara Zykes, and Wayne Marshall.
Aside from her MOBO Awards and nomination, Cato has won other music awards including the Premier Gospel Award (Best Female Artist) in 2016 and 2017, GMA Italy (Best International Vocalist of the Year), BEFFTA Award 2013 (Best Gospel Act), Wise Woman Award 2012 (WWA Woman In Music Award), and an Honorary UK Entertainment Award 2017 (Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music). Cato also performed at the 2012 London Olympics for the Evening of Olympians celebration.
Cato was a featured artist at the first annual European True Worship Summit, a gospel conference at the Dominion Centre in Wood Green. The event culminated in a final concert where the B Positive Choir performed with Cato.
Cato was invited by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to sing at his campaign dinner held at the Museum of London and was appointed as the official Vocal Coach for ITV's Sing It To Win It Competition 2018. The competition presenters included Girls Aloud member Kimberley Walsh and UK-based Afropop and Dancehall duo Reggie 'n' Bollie
Cato and the B Positive Choir appeared on The One Show on the BBC continuing their campaign to raise awareness of sickle cell and blood donation. Cato and the B Positive Choir were contestants on the Britain's Got Talent 2018 competition. After a successful audition on 14 April 2018 on ITV, they received a 'yes' vote from all 4 judges. The judges, combined with a public vote, ultimately sent Calum Courtney through to the finals. A decision between Calum and the B Positive choir moved Simon Cowell to give B Positive a wild card. After a week of performances, the wild card recipient was reported in OK Magazine sending B Positive to the finals of Britain's Got Talent. Cato and the B Positive Choir reprised their audition song. Though they made it through to the finals, they did not make it to the top three, which ultimately consisted of Lost Voice Guy, Robert White, and Donchez Dacres; with Lost Voice Guy taking first place through a public vote.
Cato has been involved with the NHS 70th Celebrations performing at York Minster Cathedral. Lurine was the featured soloist with the B Positive choir at Westminster Abbey a service of celebration for Common Wealth Day. Other performers included the Dhol Foundation drummers, Clean Bandit, William Barton and Alfie Boe.
On 6 March 2020, she was awarded the International Women's Day Award by the Mayor of Enfield along with Her Excellency Justina Mutale and Team GB sprinter and Olympics medal winner Desiree Henry. On 20 October 2019, Cato performed at Rudolph Walker's OBE 80th birthday celebrations at the Hackney Empire. On 17 and 24 November 2019, BBC1 aired its semi-final and final rounds of Songs of Praise' Gospel Choir of the Year, where Cato made a special guest appearance. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours for services to charity and music. On November 6, 2021 Cato was the surprise guest of a star-studded guest line up to celebrate and honor unsung heroes within the community and business sector. Honorees for the Multicultural Business & Community Champion (MBCC) awards included Kanya King, Ashley Cain, and Safiyya Vorajee, campaigner Stuart Lawrence, Claire Goodwin-Fee, Liz Pemberton and Casey Bailey. Other attendees include Jamelia and Lemar On 14 December 2021, Cato attended her investiture at Windsor Castle to be presented with the MBE award for services to charity and music. The award was presented by Princess Anne.

## Charitable work

Lurine Cato has participated in various charity-related musical performances. In 2016, she performed at St. James’s Palace for the Diana Award’s INSPIRE series, which recognizes young people for their contributions to their communities. Following this, she performed at a private event at Althorp House, the residence of Earl Spencer.
In November 2017, Lurine Cato performed at the MOBO Awards with the B Positive Choir at the First Direct Arena in Leeds, England. The following month, the choir released a charity single, Rise Up, originally sung by Andra Day, with Lurine Cato as the lead vocalist. Later that December, she performed with the choir at St. Pancras station, singing Christmas songs.
On 11 June 2019, Lurine Cato and the B Positive Choir performed at the Audi Sentebale Concert at Hampton Court Palace alongside artists such as Rita Ora, Morena Leraba, and the Inala Zulu Ballet. The event was in support of Sentebale, a charity focused on assisting children affected by HIV in South Africa.
Lurine Cato is also active with The Children's Society, which is a charity that aims to reduce world child poverty.

## Community work

Cato sang at One Minute in May, a concert focusing on young victims of violent crime held outside Downing Street. Cato presented and performed at HM Prison Elmley for the Aspire Higher Violence Reduction Programme, which focuses on personal development, self-reflection, breaking bad habits, positive thinking, motivation, and general inspiration for prisoners and staff.
The Mighty Men Experience is a programme which Cato created to highlight positive male role models in society and bring men together to reduce knife and gun crime. She came up with the anthem “Keep Fighting”, which was used as the project's main theme.
In April 2020, Cato and a number of notable British artists came together to record the popular hymn “Great Is Thy Faithfulness”, on YouTube, with intent to bring a sense of hope and inspiration to the people of Great Britain, and wider global community of viewers, who had been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cato collaborated with singers from the UK and abroad to record Amazing Grace by Dottie Rambo in aid of the Cavall Nurses' Trust . The effort, led by Cato, raised funds for National Health Service nurses who may be experiencing difficulties.

## Discography

| Release | Album | Tracks | Label |
| October 2016 | Chosen To Serve | 13 | Fresh Manna Records |
| Singles ||||
| Release | Song | Tracks | Label |
| 2019 | "Keep Turning" | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2018 | "Be Loved" | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2017 | "Rise Up" (Lead Vocals) | 1 | B Positive Choir |
| 2016 | "Wave It Away" | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Power" | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Power" (Rare Candy Deep Mix) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Power" (Rare Candy Club Mix) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Power" (Giant Killer Mix) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Power" (Extended) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2016 | "Keep Fighting" (The Mighty Men Choir) | 1 | |
| 2012 | "Following The Star (Closer)" [Feat. Tony Momrelle & Jay Ess] | 1 | |
| 2012 | "Following The Star (Closer)" [Remix] [Feat. Tony Momrelle & Jay Ess] | 1 | |
| 2016 | "You Revive Me" (Green Remix) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2012 | "You Revive Me" | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2012 | "You Revive Me" (Remix) | 1 | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2002 | "Shout It" [Feat. Brixton Gospel Choir] | 1 | Check Mate Records |
| 2002 | "We'll Get Thru It2 [Feat. Royalty] | 1 | Self Released |
| 2000 | "Soul Inside" | 1 | Baby Angel Recordings |
| Various Album Appearances ||||
| 2003 | Lost In Love (Sgt Slick vs. John Course DubKlash) Andy Van – Vicious Cuts – Top Tunes From Australia's Top Label (CD, Mixed, Comp) | | Ministry (Magazine) Australia |
| 2003 | Lost In Love DJ John Course – A Night Out With Vicious Grooves (CD, Mixed) | | Vicious Vinyl, Vicious Grooves, Festival Mushroom Records |
| 2002 | We'll Get Thru It Various – Twice As Nice Presents Mobo 2002 (The Very Best Of Urban) (2xCD, Comp, Mixed) | | Warner Dance |
| 2000 | FriendsTony Touch – R&B #25 – Get Your Sh*t Straight (CD, Mixed) | | Touch Entertainment |
| 2000 | FriendsDJ Poska – What's The Flavor? 40 (Cass, Mixed, Promo) | | Funky Maestro Entertainment |
| 2000 | Friends (The Sovereign Mix) – EZ Pure Garage 3 | | Warner Strategic Marketing UK, Warner Music UK Ltd. |
| Other Writing/Arranging ||||
| 2012 | You Revive Me – You Revive Me (CDr, Single) | | Fresh Manna Records |
| 2003 | I Don't Mind Tellin UGalactic Mutherland / Tiffany Persons – Destiny / Best Of Me (12") | | Varsity International |
| Vocals (Various) ||||
| 2015 | Wash The Pain Away [Markus Feehily – Fire] (CD, Album, Dlx) | | Harmoney Entertainment |
| 2015 | Changing (Radio Edit) Various – Fack ju Göhte 2 (Original Saundträck Zum Film)(CD) | | Polydor |
| 2015 | Changing (Sigma's VIP Remix Feat. Stylo G)Various – Drum & Bass Arena 2015 (3xCD, Mixed) | | AEI Music |
| 2013 | Hand On Heart (Radio Mix)Olly Murs – Right Place Right Time (CD, Album + DVD-V, NTSC + S/Edition) | | Syco Music, Epic, Sony Music |
| 2010 | The Winter Of My SpringsIncognito – Transatlantic R.P.M. | | Dome Records |
| 2006 | Seamus Haji & Steve Mac Feat. Erire – Happy (12") | | Big Love |
| 2003 | Lost In LoveDJ John Course* – A Night Out With Vicious Grooves (CD, Mixed) | | Vicious Vinyl, Vicious Grooves, Festival Mushroom Records |
| 2002 | I Will Follow (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Las Tardes En Ibiza (2002) (2xCD, Mixed, Comp) | | Vendetta Records |
| 2002 | I Will Follow (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Danceclub Awards 01 (2xCD, Comp) | | Kaos Records, Vidisco |
| 2002 | I Will Follow Various – Electricidade 2002 (2xCD, Comp) | | Vidisco |
| 2002 | I Will Follow (Wally Lopez & Dr. Kucho Weekend Remix)Various – Funktásticamix – This Is True House Music #2(2xCD, Comp, Mixed) | | Funktástica Records |
| 2002 | Una Mas – I Will Follow | | Hussle Recordings |
| 2002 | I Will Follow You (Full Intention Club Mix)Various – Disco Heaven 02.02 (2xCD, Comp) | | Hed Kandi |
| 2002 | Tom The ModelBeth Gibbons & Rustin Man – Out Of Season | | Go! Beat |
| 2001 | All I Need (Deep Swing Filter Vocal) Una Mas – All I Need (12") | | Union Square Recordings |
| 2001 | Curtains | | Polydor |
| 2000 | Independence Day Gabrielle – Rise | | Go! Beat |
| Various Music Credits ||||
| Release | Album | Artist | Credit |
| 2021 | All I Need (Is Believe) | Milk & Sugar | Lead Vocals |
| 2019 | Rocketman [Original Motion Picture Soundtrack] – "Tiny Dancer" | Elton John / Taron Egerton | Vocals (Background) |
| 2019 | Wasteland, Baby! | Hozier | Vocals (Background) |
| 2013 | James Arthur | James Arthur | Choir/Chorus, Vocals (Background) |
| 2010 | Transatlantic R.P.M. | Incognito | Vocals (Background) |
| 2007 | Imaginacion | Debbie | Chorus |
| 2007 | Louie Vega in the House | | Composer |
| 2007 | Stereo Sushi Version 10 | | Composer |
| 2007 | Connected: Full Intention | | Producer |
| 2006 | For the Love of House, Vol. 3 | | Vocals (Background) |
| 2006 | Soul Heaven Presents DJ Spen & Osunlade | | Composer |
| 2003 | Club Nation 2002, Vol. 2 | Dynamix | Vocals |
| 2002 | Clubber's Guide to 2000 | Judge Jules | Vocals |
| 2002 | Defected Sessions: Full Intention and Smokinojo | Masters at Work | Vocals |
| 2002 | Kylie Fever 2002: Live in Manchester | Kylie Minogue | Vocals (Background) |
| 2002 | Out of Season | Beth Gibbons / Rustin Man | Vocals (Background) |
| 2001 | 21st Century Disco [Smooth] | | Vocals |
| 2001 | Beetroot | Cast | Vocals (Background) |
| 2001 | You'll Love to Hate This | Richard Blackwood | Vocals |
| 2000 | Rise | Gabrielle | Vocals (Background) |
| | Tales from the Beach/Transatlantic R.P.M. | Incognito | Vocals (Background) |

## Awards and nominations

| Year | Award | Category | City | Result |
| 2022 | Urban Music Awards | Best Gospel Act | UK | Winner |
| 2021 | The Lavine Hudson Award for Vocal Excellence | Step4wd Award | UK | Winner |
| 2021 | The Music Media Platform Awards | Community Hero | UK | Winner |
| 2020 | TTM Collective Orchestra (UK) (Inspirational Love Songs Masterpiece feat. Various Artists including Lurine Cato & David Copeland 'My Greatest & My Latest Inspiration') | Best Gospel Music Album of the Year | USA | Winner |
| 2020 | MBE | Awardee | UK | Appointed |
| 2020 | International Women's Day Mayor's Award | Awardee | UK | Awarded |
| 2018 | Trulife Gospel Music Awards | Best Female | UK | Pending |
| 2018 | Premier Gospel Awards | Best Female Act | UK | Nominated |
| 2017 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act | UK | Nominated |
| 2017 | UEA | Outstanding Contribution to Gospel Music | UK | Honorary |
| 2017 | Premier Gospel Awards | Best Female Artist | UK | Winner |
| 2016 | Gospel Xplosion Music Media Awards | Best RnB Female Artist of the Year | UK | Winner |
| 2016 | Premier Gospel Awards | Best Female Artist | UK | Winner |
| 2016 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Artist | Italy | Winner |
| 2016 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Female Artist of the Year | Italy | Winner |
| 2014 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Female Vocalist of the Year | Italy | Winner |
| 2014 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Live Concert | Italy | Winner |
| 2014 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Music Event | Italy | Winner |
| 2013 | Gospel Music Awards | Best International Song of the Year | Italy | Winner |
| 2013 | Praisetek Awards | Best RnB Gospel Artist | UK | Winner |
| 2013 | BEFFTA Awards | Best Gospel Act | UK | Winner |
| 2013 | MOBO Awards | Best Gospel Act | UK | Winner |
| 2012 | Wise Woman Awards | Music | UK | Winner |