By Uchenna Eletuo
Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Convener of the annual Christian music festival in Lagos, says it is a platform for African youth to take over leadership positions.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that The Experience, the annual Christian music festival, is one of the largest gospel music events in the world.
It typically brings together thousands of attendees for a night of powerful worship and praise.
The Experience is organised by the House on the Rock church, and it usually features a lineup of international and local gospel artists.
The event is known for its electrifying atmosphere, with a focus on promoting unity among believers and encouraging spiritual growth through music.
It spans several hours, with performances ranging from contemporary gospel to traditional hymns, and it often includes moments of prayer, teaching, and ministry.
Adefarasin said that the unity and vibrancy experienced at the gospel concert exposed participants to divine training, equipping them to rescue the continent from backwardness.
Adefarasin, who also serves as the Senior Pastor of House on the Rock Church in Lagos, envisioned a re-engineering and industrialisation of a new Nigeria and Africa through the creative ingenuity of its youth.
He shared this message during a news conference for the 2025 edition of the all-night gospel concert.
He said that the event held to evaluate the Experience’s 20 years of evangelism, also commended the artists who had formed its core since its inception.
This year’s event carries the theme “Jesus United.”
Adefarasin emphasised that God is raising new African leaders through the unity of purpose seen in the participants of The Experience.
He described the event as a creative expression of God’s presence, inspiring attendees to confront challenges that had long plagued them.
“God’s response to praise and worship is visionary leadership, helping individuals, communities, and nations overcome anxieties and stagnation.
“He is still in the business of miraculously healing lands and people. The time for Nigeria and Africa has come.”
He also lamented Africa’s underdevelopment, stating that The Experience, with its array of renowned gospel worship leaders from across Africa and beyond, lay the foundation for the new leadership of Africa’s youth in all sectors of national life.
“This leadership is poised to impact all sectors of national life,” Adefarasin said.
Adefarasin noted that the Church remained a source of strength and innovation, saying “unity is vital for youth empowerment.
“The best will always come out of the Church,” he said, adding that “the spirit of unity resonates particularly among the youth.”
NAN reports that the House on the Rock Church has assured adequate security during the flagship programme The Experience, taking place on Friday night at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.
Adefarasin mentioned that the concert, expected to draw thousands of attendees, will feature performances by artists including Travis Greene, Chevelle Franklyn, Onos Ariyo, and Beejay Sax.
Other artists included Muyiwa Olarewaju, Israel Houghton, Dunsin Oyekan, Mike Aremu, Mercy Chinwo, and Naomi Raine.
Also to perform are, Chandler Moore, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Sinach, Frank Edwards, and the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir.
Tolu Odukoya and Gaise Baba will make their debut appearances at the event. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa
