UK Launches Its First Official Christian and Gospel Singles Chart as Jerub Claims Historic Number 1

UK Officially Launches First Ever Christian and Gospel Singles Chart

The Official Charts Company has launched the first ever Official UK Christian and Gospel Singles Chart, marking a historic milestone for faith based music in Britain. The new weekly Top 20 chart debuted on Friday, March 6, 2026, at 5:45pm on officialcharts.com.

Nottingham born singer Jerub made history by claiming the inaugural Number 1 spot with his track "Kumbaya," an original country style singalong about loss. The song was written by Kjetil Mørland, Paul Meehan, and Gideon Ogheneochuko Akpovi. Its title derives from "Come by here," a traditional spiritual prayer song.

The chart was developed by the Official Charts Company in partnership with AStepFWD and ranks British artists' singles released within the past 12 months by combined UK sales and streams. It spotlights a broad spectrum of Christian and Gospel music, from contemporary worship and gospel choir releases to faith based pop, rap, R&B, and inspirational recordings.

The launch event was held at The Premier Christian Media Centre in London's Blackfriars on February 25, 2026. It marks the second new specialist chart of the year, following the Official Classical Chart launched earlier in March.

Data from the Official Charts Company reveals the UK Christian and gospel albums market has grown by 64% since 2015, with combined sales and streams surpassing 500,000 for the first time in 2025. Streaming now accounts for 93% of consumption, up 9% year on year. UK streams have increased sevenfold since 2015, and Spotify reports gospel music streams in the UK have risen 119% since 2020.

This partnership is a landmark moment for UK Christian and Gospel music... a powerful next step.

O'Neil Dennis, Founder of AStepFWD, said at the launch.

Singer Chantelle Rutendo also welcomed the chart, stating:

It's always a good thing when Christian artists are given a platform outside the four walls of a church, a platform to be able to reach people that on a normal day they wouldn't be able to reach.

Martin Talbot, CEO of the Official Charts Company, said they were "delighted" to spotlight emerging artists through this new chart.

Historic Milestone for British Gospel Music as Official Chart Recognition Arrives

Mark Bowater, General Manager of Integrity Music Europe, described the genre as "one of the fastest growing on the planet" and called the new chart "an excellent opportunity" for the industry.

Sault's "Acts of Faith" was noted as the biggest British Christian album release of 2025, underscoring the genre's commercial growth heading into the chart's debut year.

The Crusader's Opinion

This is what happens when the faithful refuse to be silent. For decades, Christian music in the UK was treated like a sideshow while the mainstream industry promoted every other genre under the sun. Now the numbers have spoken, and they can no longer ignore us. A 64% market growth. Streams up sevenfold. Half a million units strong.

This is not just a chart. This is a beachhead. Every time a Christian song climbs these rankings, it is a declaration that the Gospel is alive, powerful, and culturally relevant in a nation that has tried to forget its Christian foundations. Let this chart become a weapon of worship in a culture desperately in need of Truth.

Take Action

• Stream and purchase music from the Official UK Christian and Gospel Singles Chart every week to support Christian artists and keep the genre growing.
• Follow and support Jerub and other UK Christian artists on Spotify, Apple Music, and social media to amplify their reach beyond the church walls.
• Share the chart with your church community and encourage your worship team to explore new British Christian music featured in the Top 20.
• Support AStepFWD, the organization partnering with Official Charts to champion UK Gospel and Christian music.
• Consider donating to The Shepherd's Shield to support persecuted Christians who use worship as resistance in hostile nations.