The UK is to get its own weekly Christian music chart. The Official Charts Company (OCC) said it would unveil the first official Christian and gospel albums chart on 11 March. The top 20 sales list is sponsored by Compassion, a Surrey-based Christian charity focusing on "the spiritual, economic, social and physical needs of children".
According to the Official Charts Company, 600 Christian albums were released in the UK in 2012. The top sellers included Friar Alessandro, the "first ever friar to sign a major label record deal", and English singer-songwriter Matt Redman. Four of the 2012's top 10 Christian and gospel albums were recorded by the King's College choir.
Omar Maskatiya, charts director at OCC, said the company was "committed to profiling and celebrating all sectors of the UK musical landscape".
He added: "The popularity of Christian and gospel music to date has largely been demonstrated through its vibrant live sector … We can now, for the first time, shine the spotlight on those artists who are enjoying significant success through recorded music too."
On Monday, organisers will celebrate the chart's launch with a show at St James theatre, London, with appearances by the London Community Gospel choir and Delirious frontman Martin Smith. Each week, the updated chart will be broadcast on digital radio stations such as Premier Radio and UCB.
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