"Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir feat. Shawn Cotterell"
Hailing from Toronto Canada, the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir is a group of talented teens and young adults with a passion and goal to change lives though music. Fondly referred to as POWERHOUSE, the choir was formed in 1986 for a church building fund program. In 1988 the choir was officially founded and directed under the leadership of Shawn Cotterell. With twenty-five voices and a multi-talented band, the choir’s repertoire ranges from hip-hop, reggae, traditional and contemporary gospel.
The director and founder of this anointed choir is Shawn Cotterell. Shawn Cotterell’s first musical experience began at the age of seven singing in a church choir. By the age of twelve, Shawn answered the call of God on his life and began organizing the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir. Having a love for music, Cotterell's professional musical experience included recording background vocals for Sesame Street fame-Bob Mcgrath, Canadian Folk singer Rita MacNeil, and Sharon, Lois and Bram. Cotterell also served as an alternate Praise and Worship leader at Revival Time Tabernacle pastored by Reverend Audley James. Shawn’s dream is to make a lasting impact and impression on mainstream music. "I love music and I thank God for giving me this gift. My only prayer is when I use this gift, those who listen would be blessed."
To witness a performance of this group is refreshing and exciting. Fueled with energetic and spirit filled performances, Powerhouse had the opportunity to grace the stage at many venues, not only across Toronto, but as far as Ottawa, Canada, Montreal PQ, Brooklyn New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and Las Vegas. (Performing to thousands at conventions concerts charities and revivals). The choir has been invited to be a part of several major events in the US including Bishop Hezekiah Walker's Choirfest held in Las Vegas, NV during the Stellar Award Weekend, Thomas A Doresy's National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses held in Detroit, Michigan and T.D Jake's MegaFest International Choir showcase which was held in Dallas,TX. The group has also shared the stage with gospel recording artist CeCe Winans, Pastor Shirley Caesar, Kim Burrell, Ricky Dillard, the Clark Sisters and R&B singer Bilal. Most recently the choir had an opportunity to sing and help celebrate the release of Walt Disney Pictures The Lion King 2019 film. Wowing crowds at key locations in downtown Toronto. The Lion King is directed and produced by Jon Favreau and stars Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, Donald Glover, Seth Rogen and James Earl Jones. The promotional campgain ended with a performance at the Canadian premiere. Hosted by CTV's The Social Marci Ien. The choir performed "The Circle of Life" before an excited audience including Jaleel White aka Steve Urkel, The Lion King musicals Nia Halloway and Marvel Comics (SHANG-CHI AND THE LEGEND OF THE TEN RINGS) Simu Liu.
Powerhouse has performed with world renowned Juno Award winner and Grammy Award nominee Opera Soprano Measha Brueggergosman for her "Songs of Freedom" tour. As part of Measha Brueggergosman's Ontario tour, Powerhouse has shared the stage with jazz trombonist, arranger, composer and vocalist Wycliffe Gordon. In the spring of 2017 "Powerhouse" had opportunity to record with 2x Juno Award nominee pop artist Royal Wood for his upcoming project releasing in April,2018 and London–based progressive, pop rock band Blurred Vision's upcoming sophomore project, which is being produced by legendary rock producer Terry Brown. In the fall of 2015 "Powerhouse" had shared the stage with legendary multi Grammy Award winner Stevie Wonder. The performance was held at the David Foster Foundation Miracle Gala and Concert in Toronto,Ontario. The unique contemporary musical style of the Powerhouse has been featured on City T.V’s entertainment segments, Breakfast television, CFTO television, as well as Pride Caribbean Newspaper and Gospel News magazine publications. "Powerhouse" are the winners of the 2015 Black Canadian Awards for the "Best Gospel Group" category. The 2016 Gospel Blue MIC awards "Choir of the Year" category and "EP/DIGITAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR" for the 2017 Radio Alliance Awards. The Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir also took part of Toyota's Olympic Campaign"Hands Across America" commercial. The ad aired during NBC's coverage of the 2016 Rio Olympics. Powerhouse has also participated in the 2017 Scotiabank Giller Prize which aired on CBC television, Nike Women's 15K Run, "City of Toronto/LCBO" charity event at the Toronto Distillery District", the Pinball Clemons Foundation's 3r annual "Christmas with the Clemons" concert “Gospel on the Harbour” at Harbourfront centre, which was presented by CELAFI: Ottawa Blues Festival: Nathan Phillips Square: the 31st Annual Gospel Music Workshop of America (GMWA):The Collections: FASHION, CURATED MENTORED by Robin Kay: Soho House Toronto Showcase and the 5th annual Yorkdale Canadian Designers of Distinction Fall fashion show and Awards gala. Former CFTO news entertainment host Carla Collins hosted the event.
In 2020, members of the Powerhouse Fellowship Soul Choir will be in the upcoming Lifetime Network "The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel" biopic starring Aunjanue Ellis, Raven Goodwin, Kierra "Kiki" Sheard, Shelea Frazier and Christina Bell. The film is produced by Queen Latifah, Mary J. Blige and Missy Elliott. And the choir will be in the upcoming "Madam CJ Walker Story" limited series starring Academy Award winner Octavia Spencer, Blair Underwood, Tiffany Haddish, Carmen Ejogo and Garrett Morris. The series will air on Netflix.
"IT'S NOT OVER LIVE" is an exciting worship experience recorded live in Toronto, Canada. This celebration features some of the best in Toronto such as Powerhouse alumni’s former EMI Gospel recording artist Londa Larmond and R&B Canadian Idol finalist Toya Alexis. “It’s Not Over LIVE” is infused with high energy and worship. Highlights include "Mourning into Dancing," “Angels Cry”, “Unexpected Gift” featuring Toya Alexis, the Hip-Hop fused track “The Remedy”, and the most requested hot first single “I Choose to Rejoice” featuring Londa Larmond. This is one of the most exciting gospel projects to hit the marketplace and a must have. With songs that encourage, inspire, empower and elevate.