Rapper Professor Green made a return to home turf on Thursday of last week when he performed at St John at Hackney church.

The rapper, who grew up on Northwold estate, Upper Clapton, performed an exclusive gig at the church in Lower Clapton Road, Clapton.

He was supported by DJ IQ and rap act Rascals

He also donated a �3,000 loop sound system to the church, which will enable those hard of hearing to tune into the church’s public address system and to better hear sermons and music.

It will also allow the church to host music classes for children with hearing activities.

Excited

Associate Rector Chris Ferris said: “Everyone at St John at Hackney is excited about sharing this amazing space with those involved in arts and music, and it was great to welcome Professor Green to perform in church last Thursday.

“Relentless, who sponsored the event, have contributed �3,000 to the church to help with the purchase of a loop system as we are upgrading our sound system. This is a fantastic help and we are grateful for their generosity as it will enhance our life as a worshipping community seeking to welcome everyone into the church.”

This week the church, which is becoming a high-profile music venue, continues to play host to top music acts with the Little Noise Sessions.

The fundraising concerts, which have been organised by learning disability charity Mencap, feature Take That vocalist Gary Barlow and singer Olly Murs.

Emily Kolltveit, who became the church venue manager four years ago, said: “St John at Hackney has a big history of music.

“It was used as a recording venue for Nigel Kennedy’s The Four Seasons, which is biggest selling classical album ever.

“Churches are very expensive to be maintained as a building and we wanted to take off the pressure off our congregation.

“Part of the St John at Hackney project is to make the building pay for itself. For me the most obvious way is being a music venue

“From our point of view, the church has to be a massive part of the community and move forward with the times.

‘’We as an organisation are excited to see people use the building and enjoy it.”