Bradford gospel singer Emem Archibong has gone on record about her musical career.

Emem was born in Nigeria, but grew up in the city where her soulful singing was nurtured by her local church.

She started singing in choirs when she was eight.

Her new debut album is out on I-tunes and will be released into shops later this year. It is called What is Love?

The album mixes inspiration from legendary soul artistes such as Aretha Franklin and CeCe Winans, with influences from the modern R&B sounds of Alicia Keys.

“Music is something I have always wanted to do. It helps me express myself and my viewpoints about the world,” she said.

Emem’s management says she is this year’s most hotly-tipped gospel cross-over artist.

She is set to be on the playlist of Premier Radio – the UK’s biggest gospel radio station.

The 25-year-old, whose mother is a lecturer at Bradford University, was a finalist on last year’s Britain’s next urban superstar search.

She has also had interviews on Kiss FM and has performed at London’s Hippodrome.

“Although I was born in Nigeria, I’m very proud to have grown up in Bradford.

“The music that I grew up around in the city has really influenced my album,” Emem said.

She added: “To get such amazing feedback that I’m getting from people listening to my music all around the country is just fantastic.

“It means so much to me when people comment on my powerful voice and performance.

“I’ve been singing in church choirs since I was just eight.

“Music has always been a big part of my life and now a big part of my future.”