How Sweet The Sound — The Anthem, Washington D.C., 2026

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Why this recording

As much a competition as a concert: How Sweet The Sound pits community choirs, HBCU choirs, soloists, dance and spoken word against each other between headline performances. Donald Lawrence hosts the 30 May 2026 evening at The Anthem, with Tamela Mann, David Mann, Kierra Sheard, Jekalyn Carr, J.J. Hairston and GRIFF on the bill. Posted by the event itself in early August, the 95-minute video shows how a gospel contest puts local ensembles on the same stage as established artists.

— Simon Janvier, live-sound professional and editor of the catalogue

Recording technical sheet

Rights-holding channelHOW SWEET THE SOUND
Source statusOfficial — artist’s channel
Uploaded
Exact runtime
ResolutionHD (720p+)

Metadata checked on YouTube on 29 September 2026.

Published on August 19, 2026 by

A live capture of one of the biggest nights in contemporary gospel, this ‘How Sweet The Sound 2026’ full show was filmed at The Anthem, an emblematic venue in Washington D.C. The event gathers major voices of American gospel on one stage for a collective spectacle in which choirs, horns and soloists take turns in a contagious fervour. Between traditional gospel, praise & worship and soul influences, the evening celebrates the spiritual and musical power of a genre deeply rooted in African-American culture. This live capture restores the intensity of a standing audience, carried by impressive vocal ensembles and moments of communion unique to gospel. For fans of gospel and sacred music, this filmed concert is a unifying document: proof that a song born in churches still gathers thousands in the largest halls. A complete live concert, to discover for the energy and emotion of a collective celebration led by exceptional performers.

Personnel & credits

  • Donald Lawrence — host
  • Tamela Mann — featured artist
  • David Mann — featured artist
  • Kierra Sheard — featured artist
  • Jekalyn Carr — featured artist
  • J.J. Hairston — featured artist
  • GRIFF — featured artist
Category

What to watch next

The only recording of How Sweet The Sound gathered here, but The Anthem, Washington D.C. holds 2 in all.

Same place: The Anthem, Washington D.C.

Same ground: Gospel, the 2020s

The whole Gospel catalogue