Tuesday, July 16, 2013

XCLUSIV FOTOS: "Ghana Stands In Worship" Concert Makes History!

Donnie McClurkin on stage
The first ever national worship concert “Ghana Stands In Worship” will go down in history as the best ever open air gospel event organized in Ghana. The well-publicized event which featured the best of best of artistes turned the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium into a huge church ground on Saturday July 13, 2013.


Headlined by multi-talented and three times Grammy awards winner, Donnie McClurkin from the United States and other gospel icons including; South African-based Nigerian born Uche Agu and Mthunzi Namba from South Africa, and a host of Ghanaian gospel acts, the night could not have gone without grace.

The ‘Ghana Stands in Worship’ concert, sponsored by MTN and organized by Imajin Advertising in partnership with Bernard Blessing Ministries saw in effect electrifying worship moments.

Being the first of its kind, thousands of Christians and gospel music fans trooped into the Ohene Djan Sports Stadium to worship and praise the Almighty God in spirit and in truth.

Wow! Not many people really thought there would be several performances aside the ones billed for the concert but organizers of the concert pulled a quick surprise on every one as Daughter of Archbishop Duncan Williams Ella surfaced on stage serenading the fully parked stadium with her sweet voice.

Mary Ghansah also gave a live rendition of some of her old and contemporary songs which kept the audience on their feet, singing along and waving to show their appreciation to God. Performing songs like ‘Sweet Jesus, ‘Ye Hyira Wo’ and more, she did not deviate a bit from thrilling the audience who emitted ecstatic gestures to prove their ability of going down the memory lane with her.

Then, Sonnie Badu pulled a perfect stunt on stage. As if it was planned, award-winning Ghanaian worship giant appeared on stage beaming with smiles which obviously gave the audience an indication that he had arrived to do what he knows best but rather he sought to allow the audience to perform for him. When he raised one of his widely known hit songs ‘Covenant Keeping God’, the entire gathering sang as though like they had rehearsed the song a couple of times with the gospel maestro.

And in fact, the night could not have gone down without the introduction of Mthunzi Namba who lifted the hearts of the crowd in worship, performing ‘He never failed me’, ‘I will serve no foreign god’, ‘Phindukulume’ and others.

It is really usual for any audience to jump and wiggle as performers sing their favourite songs but not when Mthunzi Namba improvised a new dance move which the audience bought into and danced turning from the north to the south and all directions.

Uche Agu took to his turn and in his usual fashion, sprinkled the air with his hit singles like ‘Solid Rock’ and further sang some local songs together with Sonnie Badu and leader of Soul Winners music group and soloist Joe Mettle. The trio started with Sonnie Badu’s ‘Baba’ and ended with some Twi tunes, hence charging the atmosphere for worship.

The night really could not have been complete without the fiery high-pitching performances from Donnie McClurkin, who the audience had been yelling his name even before he mounted the platform.

Clad in a sleek suit and telling the audience ‘how good-looking he is’, Donnie raised the levels above all levels. He continuously performed for over 45 minutes ‘non-stop’ and did several songs from his repertoire.

The American gospel superstar got the audience on their feet throughout his performances to the hour he made an altar call for souls to be won and populate the kingdom of God. Some songs he performed were his gospel reggae tunes titled ‘Caribbean Medley’, and ‘Days of the Elijah’, ‘Language medley’, ‘I call you faithful’, ‘Holy’ which he translated into the local dialect, giving the concert a new touch, amidst others.

Then Rev. Bernard Blessing and Nacy carried the night through in worship and praises. But just when the audience thought it was all over for the night, Donnie who had awaited the performances by Nacy took a microphone and partly sang Nacy’s songs to ginger the audience who craved for more.

The historic event also saw in attendance great Ghanaian men of God including; Archbishop Duncan Williams who took crowd through brief words of exultation and a powerful prayer, Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Rev. Ampiah-Kwofi, Rev. Steve Mensah among other renowned men of God.

Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Hon. Dzifa Gomashie was also there to worship and represent the presidency as well as Nene Mike Gizo. Other gospel musicians who were not billed to perform on the night including Stella Seal, Gifty Osei, Cece Twum, Sup. Kofi Sarpong, Ohemaa Mercy and others were there to enjoy the show.

Aside the great performances and overwhelming turn out, the technical details at the event including stage set up, sound, light, coordination and security was on point. If this event is anything to go by then imajin Advertising is indeed here to give event organizers a strong competition.

Archbishop Duncan Williams 
The crowd was on fire
Ghana Stands In Worship Concert Makes History 
Hon. Dzifa Gomashie, Dr. Lawrence Tetteh,Archbishop Duncan Williams and Nene Mike Gizo
Sup. Kofi Sarpong and Cece Twum
Sonnie Badu, Ohemaa Mercy and Miriam of MTN Hitmaker fame

Mthunzi Namba
Donnie McClurkin filled with the spirit
Uche Agu
The crowd dancing to the glory of God
Uche Agu, Sonnie Badu and Joe Mettle
Gifty Osei and Cecilia Marfo
Rev. Bernard Blessing
No Tribe 
Source: Eugene Osafo-Nkansah and Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/ Pictures by Edward K. Boateng 

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