Donnie McClurkin, Nathaniel Bassey, Sinach Deliver Memorable Performances at The Experience 2021

Iyke Bede

The 16th edition of the yearly gospel concert, The Experience, which came to a wrap in the early hours of Saturday morning December 4, had those who attended or streamed the event leave with a renewed outlook to the current socio-economic situation in the country mostly conditioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Opening the event, Founder of The House on the Rock Church, Pastor Paul Adefarasin delivered a short sermon titled ‘Do You Have the Mantle of Many Colours?’ where he preached about overcoming adversities through God’s grace and mercy. He referenced Genesis 35:3-8, and Genesis 45:5-8 in his preaching.

“Though Joseph’s siblings tried to kill him, he didn’t stop dreaming,” Adefarasin said, highlighting the importance of perseverance.

“When God looks at you He sees the components of your life in one glance. God has never come to new knowledge, He just knows. He doesn’t choose anybody, He already knows you and will use you for His purpose. Love works by faith and faith works by love. You see a man who walks in love, that man will fulfil God’s purpose concerning his or her life.”

Shortly afterwards, Adefarasin introduced international gospel artiste Donald ‘Don’ Moen to open the evening’s performances that would go on to last for over four hours.

Famed for his enduring hits such as ‘God Will Make a Way’, ‘Trust and Obey’, the minister of God, backed by singers and instrumentalists, performed ‘Arise’ from a secluded studio. His performance was streamed from overseas as he couldn’t attend the physical show.

For the main opening performance at the auditorium of The Rock Cathedral, Lekki, Lagos, three-time Grammy award-winning Donald ‘Donnie’ McClurkin took to the stage with high energy performing ‘Days of Elijah’. Filled with an appreciation for God, the audience basked in glory as he proceeded to perform another of his hit songs ‘How Great is Our God’.

Maintaining similar energy, Nathaniel Bassey pulled a showstopper kicking off his performance with a trumpet solo that set an ambience for worship. Making her entry as the first female that evening, multi-award-winning gospel singer Sinach moved mountains with her mid-2010s hit ‘Way Maker’.

Butt the energy didn’t stop with her, other powerful, spirit-filled performances were rendered by Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, William McDowell, Travis Greene, and four-time 64th Grammy Awards nominee Chandler Moore.

Closing the show, Tim Godfrey led the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir with sheer synergy and electricity.

The evening also saw a series of ministers of God stream into the show to deliver the gospel. Some of them include Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Dr Billy Wilson, Pastor John and Lisa Bevere, and Pastor At Boshoff.

While it was all praise and worship through songs ministration and sermons, comedy was also thrown into the mix with help from comedians Funnybone and Forever, who lifted the spirits of millions all over the world with their comedic talents. Another notable moment was when the trio of Segun Obe, Chee, and Nikki Laoye gave an empowering take on the national anthem.

Again, The Experience continues in its vision of empowering Nigerians and bringing them closer to God.