Latest update December 12th, 2024 1:00 AM
Massive Gospel Concert generates abundant energy
A 100-strong combined mass choir in performing mode
The National Stadium at Providence was packed to capacity and full of energy when the highly anticipated Carifesta Gospel Concert was held on Thursday night.
In fact, the liveliness of the atmosphere was so intense that President Bharrat Jagdeo, who was among the dignitaries in attendance, related that the energy was of such a nature that it could power (provide electricity for) Guyana for another few years.
In lauding the organisers of the event, the President, in brief remarks, related that Guyana’s ability to pull off the almost impossible task of hosting Carifesta is reflected in the variety of features that have been added to the event, such as the religious and indigenous aspects.
According to the President, he took up the challenge of having Guyana host Carifesta because he had the confidence that the organisers would have done what was necessary to make it a success.
He pointed out that Guyana has, in essence, been able to successfully undertake a task which requires two years of preparation.
As such, he speculated that the next country that will be tasked with hosting Carifesta “will have a lot to live up to…”
In commending the efforts of the Christian community to attract such a mass gathering at the stadium, the President quoted Psalm 133: “It is a good thing for brethren to fellowship together,” which prompted resounding applause from the audience.
Culture Minister Dr. Frank Anthony, like the President, pointed out that the event was well attended, even as he declared that it was one of the biggest events of CARIFESTA, and arguably one of the biggest gospel concerts ever held in Guyana.
He, too, alluded to the fact that Guyana has been able to effectively prove itself worthy by hosting the Festival of Arts for the second time after 36 years, even though faced with limited preparation time.
The concert also saw the attendance of Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and his wife, and Health Minister Dr Leslie Ramsammy. Bishop Juan Edghill was also a fulfilled attendee at the event.
In an invited comment, Coordinator of the Gospel concert, Pastor Kwame Gilbert, said that the concert had met every anticipated expectation.
The artistes, both local and overseas, were able to woo the audience with their energetic renditions, which saw the audience both in the stands and on the field gyrating in what was described as a “holy ghost frenzy”.
The several vigorous dancing pieces had great effect on the audience, who signalled their enjoyment in shouts of “Jesus! Jesus!” or simply swayed in tune with the varying rhythms.
A 100-strong combined mass choir and a steel pan rendition by 35 players were among the highlights of the grand event.
The performances of the artistes were of such intensity and endurance that it was as if the event would have continued until daybreak.
Among those performing the many touching renditions were leading local gospel artistes. They were aptly complemented by singing sensations the likes of Reverend Nicole Ballosingh-Holder out of Trinidad and Tobago, who took full advantage of her time on the stage to spread the Word of God through her Soca-style renditions.
Other foreign-based artistes were Emrand Henry out of St Lucia; Calvin Henry, known as ‘The Prodigal Son,’ of Jamaica, and Andrew Cartwright, called ‘Lynx,’ out of the Bahamas.
The gospel concert came as part of the religious events which have, for the first time in history, been slated into the Carifesta celebrations, which first commenced in 1972 right here in Guyana.
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