By Tunde Oso

The Experience Concert 2023, the 18th in the series, has been dubbed by many as one of the outstanding editions.

The Gospel music concert that annually fills the main bowl of the Tafawa Balewa square and the Cricket Pitch with hundreds of thousands of attendees, held on Friday, 8th December.

Through the highs of vibrant praise from music ministers like Mr M & Revelation to the flows of worship from leaders like Donnie McClurkin, attendees sang and danced all through the night till the rising of the sun.

The event also featured Naomi Raine, Travis Greene, William McDowell, Sinach, Nathaniel Bassey, Dunsin Oyekan, Beejay Sax, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Tope Alabi, Timi Dakolo,Moses Bliss, Prinx Emmanuel, Timi Dakolo, Onos Ariyo, Muyiwa Olarewaju, Ib Quake, Ada Ehi and the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir
In his message at the event, Convener of The Experience and MSP of all House On The Rock Churches, Paul Adefarasin said that on the backdrop of the intense challenges that affect us as a Nation, and as individuals, we are here on purpose, to bring about the change we desire to see. He also encouraged the attendees to know that in the midst of it all, God’s hedge is round about them, and they will overcome these present challenges.
Pulling physical attendance from across the nation and internationally, ‘The Experience has yet again painted for us an evocative picture of what a unified Nigeria, beyond the barriers of tribe, ethnicity, religion, political affiliation and socio-economic status, will look like.
This year’s event was supported by industry giant, Coca-Cola Nigeria, who refreshed the attendees with soft drinks and Eva water throughout the evening, underscoring the joy and vibrancy that The Experience is known for and fostering a community spirit evident with every sip that seemed to toast to the hope and togetherness needed in these times while fostering the collective resolve to uplift spirits at all times.
Other brands that supported the event are DSTV Nigeria (the broadcast partner), Dufil Prima Foods Ltd (who are deeply committed to the Nigerian community and continue to nourish bodies and souls alike), Spotify (whose technological innovation extended the reach of the soulful melodies on stage to touch hearts worldwide) and Bolt Nigeria (who offered discounted rides to and from the event).
The Experience 2023 was not just an event; it was a movement, a chorus of voices that will resonate for years to come; a symphony of unity and faith, an example of partnership and collaboration, and a testimony of the unity that can be achieved in our nation when we lay aside our differences and focus on what we agree on and not what divides us.
“The Experience 2023 was more than just a concert; it’s a manifestation of the unifying power of faith. It was a night where worshippers unite and hearts are drawn closer to the essence of divine grace”.
The event welcomed everyone to join what was to be a night of spiritual, physical, and mental rejuvenation.
“With communal worship, we find strength. As a cornerstone of Nigeria’s gospel music scene, The Experience extends an invitation to all for a memorable journey of faith and fellowship”.
“In a world seeking harmony, The Experience offers a unique platform for unity, where individuals from various backgrounds come together in a chorus of praise,” Paul Adefarasin, the convener and Metropolitan pastor, House on the Rock, had said in a pre-event press statement made available to Vanguard and other newsmen.
Adefarasin, a Christian Minister, Thought-Leader, Philanthropist, Author, Speaker and Convener of the internationally acclaimed Experience concert held in December. He is the Founder of The House On The Rock, a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, and multifaceted non-denominational Church with 77 parishes and fellowships across Africa and Europe.
With more than 30 years of pastoral and visionary leadership experience, Paul is sought after to share his expertise across many sectors. For upwards of 20 years, he has hosted the programme ‘Something Is About To Happen’, which airs across Africa, Europe, and North America on terrestrial and satellite television. He also maintains an active social media presence.
He maintains that last year’s theme, ‘Jesus, Our Way Maker’, was a significant spiritual milestone, inviting thousands to partake in a night of music, worship, and communal celebration under the stars.
“As the evening unfolded, the Square became a hub of spirituality, with attendees joining voices to honour Jesus Christ as the shepherd and architect of our fates,” he enthused.