These are the Hope Dealers who are using controversial drill music to preach gospel and have caused outrage  by singing in a Croydon church wearing balaclavas.

Here two members  of the group Bread and Means speak to Chronicle Youth reporter Aisha Jade about how the SPACNation church and God has impacted on their lives.

Means said: “I got inspired to start making music when my lifestyle changed. We wanted to listen to the same music that we are used to but a lot of the stuff out there was contradicting so being the alternative was the only solution. 

“Church and God has impacted our lives drastically. It’s what we live by, faith. We live by it everyday. And now that we have found something greater than us it’s like a vision. It keeps us going and keeps us in line. Because we have been impacted we are able to impact on others.”

Hope Dealers, describe themselves as ambassadors and pioneers for Gospel Drill and recently featured on a BBC 1xtra.

However, drill music has been blamed by police, politicians and the media as fuelling a surge in violent crime.

Jermaine Goupall, 15, was stabbed to death in August last year in Georgia Road. His murderers outlined the killing in a violent YouTube video.

His father Stanley described the music as having  “a demonic mindset”. Drill originated in Chicago, helping to make the city one of America’s most violent with 650 murders last year.  

Hope Dealers belong to the SPACNation church movement which is led in London by senior pastor Tobi Adegboyega,  cousin of Hollywood  actor John Boyega.

SPACNation is partners with Connect 25, based in  South Norwood and services are held at Stanley Halls.

Bread said: “What inspired me to start making music was SpacNation (their church) I realised that me and other young members needed something to listen to.

“Church has changed my life significantly as I am now a pastor. I think that says it all.”