Sandra Godley

About Sandra Godley

MOBO award nominee Sandra Godley has evolved from the embodiment of the dance-diva to an elegant songstress. Always creative & spontaneous, she remains 1 of the UK's best soul/gospel artists. Born in Bristol, UK, of Jamaican parents, Sandra grew up listening to the likes of Aretha Franklin, Amy Grant, Jessy Dixon, Andrae Crouch and Anita Baker. Her earliest memories of singing and song writing were when she was 12 years old, performing at many conferences, festivals and fronting 2 bands. Sandra came out of these experiences stronger and prepared for her own solo career.
Her classy, refined vocals have been compared to Des’ree, Anita Baker and Sade. In Sandra Godley, we see the embodiment of all the things in a diva we hold dear. Beautiful, yet somehow humble, Sandra Godley is so wonderfully talented that she has evolved from being just a singer/songwriter, to being a stylish, multi-genre songstress. Easily adapting to all of contemporary black music’s offerings, Godley has performed funk, disco, house, soul, and R & B effortlessly.

By herself, Sandra Godley has evolved from the embodiment of the dance-diva to an elegant songstress. Always creative and spontaneous, Godley’s use of power house vocals in conjunction with the ability of holding an audience spellbound as she solos with an acoustic guitar, has taken black music to higher levels.
Sandra has performed on many television and radio networks including BBC, Sky and God TV.

With 3 (largely self-penned) albums already under her belt, Sandra’s passion as a singer, songwriter, gifted communicator and entertainer is contagious to anyone who meets her. In 2005, her decision to mark her birthday by recording her first debut album, Sweet Surrender can only best be described as truly remarkable, especially as it stands out for its refreshingly creative and honest approach.

Sweet Surrender demonstrates a variety of influences, showcasing the depth and flexibility of her abilities to include 11 tracks with a variety of styles including a twist of R & B, disco, church, and soul where she undoubtedly brings her signature energetic powerhouse vocals with an abundance of love and encouragement:

“Looking back, I’m just amazed at how this album came together during one of the most devastating times of my life. My father passed away during the making of my album and I can honestly say that it was God’s grace that saw me through.”

However, a great reward was only just around the corner. Off the back of this album she received the prestigious 2005 UK (GEM) Gospel Entertainment Award for 'Best Female Newcomer':

“I was completely amazed and honoured to receive this reward after such a traumatic time. I hope I can be an inspiration to others to go for their dreams!”
More success was to follow as Sandra went on to support the King of Gospel, the late Jessy Dixon twice on 2 UK wide tours:
‘I grew up listening to Jessy, his music changed my life. It was an unforgettable experience working with him. He was and still is a legend and will always be one of my all time heroes.’
Dubbed a 'Gospel Diva' by Cross Rhythms Magazine, Sandra sings with an unapologetic passion and enthusiasm which the youngest of singers can only dream about.
Her second album “One thing” (EP) released in August 2008 reveals a more reflective side of her music and has caused quite a stir. She says:

‘One Thing was my ‘Selah, pause for thought album. I wanted to take a little time out to write 4 very inspirational songs of hope. I wanted to write these songs straight from the heart so I got my guitar out and just let my spirit fly.
I have had so many people say how these songs have helped them overcome their fears and re-kindled a strong sense of hope and a deeper love for God. The song ‘I sought the Lord’ is testament to the lament call of my heart at that time in my life. I was so desperate for God to answer some very specific needs in my life, and he did, in his time and in his way. There’s a God shaped ‘hole of hope’ in all us. We just need to find it, pause for a moment and invite him to fill it.’
In 2009, Sandra performed in front of a crowd of 22,000 during a football match at The Ricoh Arena, Coventry, UK. She raised the bar by showcasing her powerhouse vocals to an up tempo version of Whitney Houston’s ‘Greatest Love of All.’
She’s also recently completed her BA Honours Degree studies in Leadership and Management and holds full membership status of the Institute of Directors as well as the Chartered Management Institute:
‘I’ve found my time studying leadership invaluable, it’s been a real aid in helping me learn servant leadership as well as how to help people become empowered to make right choices. Whether I’m singing or teaching, the message is still the same ‘be the real you!’
To complement her passion for music, she is also a Director of Radio Plus, a local community radio station which has recently celebrated its second birthday:
‘We’ve set up a 24hr radio station right in the heart of our city, Coventry. The station is run by local volunteers and we’re having a blast!’
Anyone who knows about Coventry knows of its global influence in the area of peace and reconciliation. For 3 years Sandra worked and performed at Coventry Cathedral and it was during that time she worked for Justin Welby, who has since gone on to achieve a meteoric rise to become the Head of the Church of England, as The Archbishop Canterbury:
‘I consider Justin to be one of the most humble men I know. He has the unique ability to show diplomacy, courage and humility, all at the same time, an all round good man.....and I think he likes my music too!’
In 2012 Sandra signed to global label C&C Music Group and recorded third album with them in Nashville which has gone on to receive rave reviews:
‘Sandra has delivered one of the best Gospel Albums in a long time’ Cross Rhythms.
‘Miracle’ the album….’Audio Velvet’ CMW.
Sandra Godley is a clear communicator with a strong ability to encourage anyone around her to keep pressing on. She is a true original with a powerful voice, always creative and sensitive, inspired and imaginative. This incredible songstress is here to stay, her passion is contagious to anyone who meets her.
‘People often ask me if ‘Godley’ is my stage name. It isn’t, it’s my real name and I just love it!’