Awards

M. Trevor W. Payne, C.M.

Living in Montreal since the age of 10, Trevor W. Payne has been heading one of the most prestigious gospel choirs in North America for almost 30 years: the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir.

In 1974 the Montreal Black Community Youth Choir (MBCYC) was founded by Trevor W. Payne and Daisy Peterson Sweeney (Oscar Peterson’ sister) at the Union United Church along with its then minister, Frank B. Gabourel. During the next eight years, the MBCYC performed numerous concerts in various churches and auditoriums in Canada, including two command performances at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver; toured the USA, and recorded two albums.

In 1982, the MBCYC joined forces with the Union United Church Senior Choir in a joint concert, directed by Prof. Payne, to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the oldest Black church in Montreal. Due to the success of this event, in which Oliver Jones, Ranee Lee and Charlie Biddle also took part, the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir was formed.

Since then, the choir has launched a dozen albums for Justin Time Records, sung in several languages and countries including Belgium, France, Germany, the United States and everywhere in Canada, performed with famous artists such as Céline Dion, Foreigner, New Kids on the Block, Michael Bolton and Ray Charles, and has received many Canadian and international awards.

Through his music, his teaching and his work with High School drop-outs, he has shared the richness and the traditions of the Black Culture. His outstanding contribution to his community, to the Canadian society and the image of the gospel here and overseas were honoured on several occasions. He was appointed to the Order of Canada, named one of the 10 best music and choir directors in the history of Montreal, named one of the five most outstanding Black graduates in the first 175 years of McGill University and received the Thomas-A.-Dorsey award for his contribution to the history and development of Gospel music in Canada.

Mark McKenna, Gala SOBA
January 25, 2010
Montreal, Canada

English translation by:
Karine Tchana

Fourth Official Edition of Gala SOBA

Montreal, January 25, 2010,

The countdown has begun for the greatest celebration of the Black culture in Quebec and in Canada. On Sunday February 28, 2010 at 8pm at the Outremont Theatre, SOBA’s official reception will present a fourth historical edition: a first broadcast on television, and a live telecast on Musiqueplus and Musimax radio.

For this fourth edition, we are honoured to officially announce that the selection committee has decided to reward Mr. Trevor W. Payne with the SOBA Image award for his contribution and devotion, for almost 30 years. to one of the most prestigious gospel choirs in North America: the Montreal Jubilation Gospel Choir. We hope to see you on February 28 to celebrate the Black culture at its best, among other Quebec and Canadian talented artists, and thus to make this fourth edition an unprecedented success.

Please accept our sincere congratulations!

(English translation by Karine Tchana)

Ruddy B. Eloi
Président-directeur général
Gala SOBA