adminLONDON. – From rehearsal rooms in Leeds to the stage at Windsor Castle – the coronation marked a big moment for the Reggae Roots choir.
They were among hundreds of singers from different backgrounds who performed for King Charles III alongside famous names like Katy Perry, Freya Ridings and Take That.
The Coronation Choir’s aim was to represent the diversity of communities across the UK.
Stephanie Horacio, 18, is one of the young people who make up Reggae Roots.
“I’ve never been someone to shy away from the spotlight,” she said.
Stephanie is honest about the new era of the monarchy, and says she wants to see a change.
“I just hope everyone has a chance to be heard, loved and cared for.
“Right now I don’t feel like we’re 100% there.
“It doesn’t have to be perfect but I wish we could do more.
“We all have different backgrounds and skin colours but we’re all still human and deserve to be loved.
“None of that should matter to anyone, especially for the Royal Family who are so public.”
Stephanie said she was “proud to see so many cultures represented on that stage in rehearsal.”
She said:
“Reggae choirs, Asian choirs, people from different backgrounds.
“I expected to be the most prominent black group in the coronation choir but we weren’t and that’s beautiful to see.
“The fact the Royal Family brought us all together and we created something so beautiful which everyone will get to see – that was mesmerising to me.” Fredlin Morency is the assistant music director for Reggae Roots – and he says the moment was “once in a lifetime”.
“I’m so excited,” the 18-year-old told BBC Newsbeat.
“My friends and family are a bit jealous but it’s all good, they all feel part of the achievement.”
“It’s been a lot balancing it all but I’m grateful.
“And, actually getting to perform allows me to relieve some of the A-Level stress.”
Fredlin has heritage in the Turks and Caicos Islands and hopes the King will embrace Caribbean communities.
“The whole idea of having a reggae choir and including people like us who wouldn’t normally get on a stage like that is a statement in itself,” he says.
“Being able to perform at the King’s Coronation as a black man is a statement.” – BBC
Online Reporter