THE EXPERIENCE! EXCITING HOURS OF PRAISE
What started as one man’s mission to provide an atmosphere for people to worship God has become a platform for national unity, youth empowerment, commerce and hospitality,
Even though he’s been organising gospel concert for the past 11 years, Paul Adefarasin, clergyman and convener of the largest gospel concert in Africa, The Experience, has not been able to overcome the tense disposition that accompanied the first outing. He is nervous each time the show draws near. Half of the time he is scared that the responsibility keeps increasing; becoming more daunting than he imagined. His anxiety goes beyond the worries of technicality. He’s more concerned about the congregants. How do they feel? How do people facilitate The Experience? How does it impact on the zeal of young people? What will be the impact of the concert on the audience? Although, these concerns are hardly voiced, they can be seen on the way he immerses himself into planning and execution of each edition. He is on his toes most of the time. Despite the over 2000 volunteers working with him on the project, the priest believes in thorough supervision. That fateful Friday morning, before he went for the general press conference with the performers at the concert, a media parley with him and a select group of journalists was scheduled. It was his first unscripted encounter with the media. For a man who addresses hundreds of people regularly, it was interesting to note that he was tense for a meeting with a small group of people. He modestly shook hands with the personalities who were gathered at the Sky Restaurant of Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos as he walked in. After the introductions were made, he humbly admitted that he was very nervy, a fact most people found intriguing due to his regular work as a pastor. Was he acting his own script? But it was clear that he wasn’t feigning it. He was indeed a bit on the edge. He constantly rubbed his palms. At times, he would recline on the seat but most times he sat upright, leaning closer to address the individuals. However, he needed not worry as the gentlemen of the press used their persuasive skills to put him at ease. Within few minutes he had regained his composure.
As the conversation picked up pace, one could not help but notice the joy and pride radiating on the face of the clergyman. It was in no way egotistical. Indeed, Adefarasin who heads the Rock Cathedral has a good reason to be proud. The Experience which he said he stumbled upon has gone beyond the initial plan he had in mind. What started as one man’s mission to evangelise souls through soul-lifting gospel music has become pilgrims’ destination of sorts; bringing people from all over the world to Lagos in the month of December.
Every year, The Experience pools hundreds of thousands of persons to Tafawa Balewa Square in Onikan, Lagos for an unforgettable night of endless praise and worship to the Almighty. Featuring both local and international gospel artistes, the concert does not only appeal to gospel musicians but also pools secular musicians as well as celebrities in other sectors. It is one of the most popular events of the yuletide season and usually holds on the first Friday in