Big Gospel Concert Set for Lagos in December

Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, Travis Greene, and IB Quake are some of the gospel singers lined up to perform at the 21st edition of The Experience. This annual gospel music concert will take place in Lagos on December 4.

Pastor Paul Adefarasin, who leads House on the Rock, is hosting the event. It will happen at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), with Onikan Stadium as a backup venue to fit more worshippers.

The concert, themed ‘Jesus, The Rock’, will kick off at 7 p.m. and continue until dawn. Entry is free, and people from outside Lagos and around the world can watch online.

Other Nigerian gospel stars on the list include Tim Godfrey, Onos Ariyo, Moses Bliss, Tolu Odukoya, Bidemi Olaoba, Kaestrings, Dunsin Oyekan, Sunmisola Agbebi, Mr M and Revelation, Blessing Lopez, Emma OMG, and Eno Michael.

International acts include Sonnie Badu and Joe Mettle from Ghana, Oncemore Six from Zimbabwe, and Israel Houghton and Travis Greene from the U.S. The Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir will also perform at the concert.

Theme

The organisers say this year's theme comes from Pastor Adefarasin’s teaching, The Mountain of the Lord’s House. This teaching encourages the church to go beyond just worship services. It calls for building strong institutions that can shape nations and impact the future.

The theme also highlights the need for a strong foundation during these tough economic times, with changing currencies and other issues. The event will unite worshippers from various denominations, countries, and cultures, all sharing the Christian faith.

21 Years of ‘The Experience’

Now in its 21st year, The Experience has become one of Nigeria’s biggest gospel music events. It attracts worshippers from all over the country and beyond.

The concert does more than just serve a religious purpose. It boosts Lagos's economy, especially in hospitality, tourism, and local businesses. It also gives Nigerian gospel music a global platform. Coca-Cola is the official soft drink sponsor for this year's event.

Pastor Adefarasin shared his thoughts on the event's importance. He said success shouldn’t only be about how many people attend, the music, or international fame.

"The crowds, the music, commerce, and the international reach are the fruit, not the root. For 21 editions, the foundation has remained the same: Jesus," he stated.

The organisers noted that the concert will include worship in several Nigerian languages. These include Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Urhobo, and Efik, along with English.