Our story · 1986–2026
A Toronto choir of teens and young adults. Gospel, reggae, hip-hop and everything the room needs.
In 1986 a Toronto church needed a choir for a building-fund programme. Twenty-odd young people showed up. That was supposed to be the end of it.
Two years later the choir was officially founded under Shawn Cotterell, and Powerhouse became what it still is: twenty-five voices and a live band who sing hip-hop, reggae, traditional and contemporary gospel.
Since then we have sung in Ottawa, Montréal, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas. Not much else has changed.
Shawn Cotterell sang his first church choir part at seven. By twelve he was organising Powerhouse. He has recorded background vocals for Bob McGrath, Rita MacNeil, and Sharon, Lois and Bram, and served as alternate praise and worship leader at Revival Time Tabernacle.
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.
The archive
1986
Formed for a church building-fund programme in Toronto. It was meant to be one season.
Origin
1988
Shawn Cotterell takes the baton and gives the choir its name, its discipline and its sound.
Founding
2015
Sharing a stage at the Miracle Gala and Concert in Toronto. The same year: Best Gospel Group at the Black Canadian Awards.
Stage
2016
Featured in Toyota’s Olympic campaign, aired during NBC’s coverage of the Rio games. Choir of the Year at Gospel Blue MIC.
Screen
2019
“Circle of Life” performed for Disney’s premiere in downtown Toronto. It’s Not Over Live is recorded the same year.
Premiere
2020
Members appear in Lifetime’s The Clark Sisters: The First Ladies of Gospel and Netflix’s Madam C.J. Walker series.
Screen
2026
A new single, a new brand, and the first full catalogue of four decades of photographs and footage.
Now
Forty years of photographs and footage are being catalogued.
Recognition
2015
Black Canadian Awards
2016
Gospel Blue MIC Awards
2017
Radio Alliance Awards
2016
Hands Across America, NBC Rio coverage
2019
The Lion King, Canadian premiere
2017
With Measha Brueggergosman
