Pat Uwaje King Performs Brilliantly at Encounter Conference 2024

By Emmanuel Daraloye

The Nigeria born singer, songwriter, performer and minister of God, Pat Uwaje King has already carved a niche for herself in the gospel industry. Even while she was among the gospel band, Midnight Crew, she scarcely needs to be pointed to, she effortlessly shows herself. While I was already a fan of her music, her vocal dexterity has always been the edge she had over her contemporary.

In 2015, while on a long break from University, I visited Lagos State and attended “The Experience gospel concert” held at Tafawa Balewa Square. Her then group, Midnight Crew was one of the sonic groups slated for performance.

Draped in a pink flowery dress, the excited Pat Uwaje King strolled through the stage, with support from a three man talking drummers, she praised God while at the same time urging the audience to do the same. That was my first introduction to her performance, long before this time, I was just a lover of her music. After this performance, I have attended a number of her concerts and shows.

On March 30, 2024, I had another experience, this time online, through a YouTube link. I watched her perform for more than twenty minutes. With input from arrays of back up singers, instrumentalists and sound engineers, it was a potpourri of creatives during her performance at Glory House in London.

The church which is a prominent multicultural church established in 1993 by Dr. Albert Odulele serves a diverse congregation and focuses on inclusivity and community outreach. It Started with a small group, it has grown to include hundreds of families and operates from its main location in Plaistow, London. It also has branches internationally, including Nigeria.

The church is known for its vibrant community programs, strong emphasis on evangelism, and various services that cater to adults and children alike. Financially, Glory House is significant within the Black Pentecostal church community, with a reported annual turnover of around £1.5 million, largely derived from tithes and offerings.

Pat Uwaje-King was an invited guest minister at the Day One of the “Encounters Conference 2024”. The concert which was held at Glory House, Springfield Lyons House, Springfield Lyons Approach, Chelmsford, Essex, CM25TH attracted large crowds which were predominantly Africans.

When she was called by the MC, there was a thunderous shout from the audience. In the opening five minutes, she sings and talks, carrying the audience along. This was after she appreciated the church for the invite. With solemn keys, scattered kicks. The song reaches its crescendo as the performance goes on. The line “Thank You Lord,” remains the refrain throughout the performance with the back up singers brilliantly coming through, they tend to amplify the message of gratitude. For Pat Uwaje King, the place of thanksgiving cannot be over stressed, not even the minor technical glitch could deter her from making the best out of this opportunity for the enjoyment of the close to one thousand attendees.

The sequential arrangement of the song helps in making her performance wonderful, she understands the place of silence and break in music, she gives the back singer space to shine, come through whenever she feels there was a need for that. The brilliant piano chop, drum and guitar lick come fully made during the live performance. The minor lyrics of this performance are enliven by her vocals. It is devoid of noise, this performance just found the singer doing what she loves best.

With more than twenty years worth of experience, there is no doubt that Pat Uwaje King remains a formidable force in the gospel industry, her sonic record and stage performances remain unparalleled. Her performance at “Encounter Conference 2024,” remains one of the most iconic moments of her craft.