Joel Culpepper
2023 Step Up Awardee
“Through charismatic storytelling, a diverse voice honed through years of stage experience, personal epiphanies and the formation of a new creative collective that strengthens his craft, “Sgt Culpepper” heralds a new era for Joel Culpepper.”
Born in Peckham before moving to Catford, South East London, Culpepper’s journey of musical self-discovery began as an ardent fan. From a very young age, he was raised on the work of the legends – watching from the top of the stairs as his mother swooned to the soulful vibes of Teddy Pendergrass on the record player, attending church during the growing era of Kirk Franklin and Fred Hammond’s Gospel cool.
Having attended Croydon College as a performing arts student, a wide-eyed, 18-year-old Joel had seen enough episodes of MTV’s Making The Band to know that America was the place to be. Staying with an Aunt in the Bronx, he took to the streets with 100 demo CDs, thrusting them into the hands of likely industry types who showed interest in his style.
