•Releases Jesus United for IDP support highlights the landmark event,
•We are persecuted, but not silent—Solomon Lange
Africa‘s largest and most anticipated gospel music gathering, The Experience, celebrated its 20th edition last night at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos. Hosted annually by the Metropolitan Senior Pastor of House On The Rock, Pastor Paul Adefarasin, the 2025 edition, aptly themed ‘JESUS UNITED,’ delivered yet another unforgettable night of worship, praise, and spiritual convergence.
What began in 2006 as an ambitious vision has now grown into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of worshippers onsite and online each year. Today, The Experience stands as a cultural and spiritual export from Africa to the world—an event, equal parts revival, artistry, and a call to unity.
Night that became a movement
The 20th edition featured a formidable lineup of local and international gospel ministers, including Onos Ariyo, Beejay Sax, Muyiwa Olarewaju, Bidemi Olaoba, Frank Edwards, Pastor Tolu Odukoya, Mr M & Revelation, Naomi Raine, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Mercy Chinwo, Chevelle Franklyn, Chandler Moore, Moses Bliss, Dunsin Oyekan, Mike Aremu, Israel Houghton, Travis Greene, Solomon Lange and Sinach.
In a major highlight, Afro-fusion gospel artist Gaise Baba made his first-ever The Experience appearance, following his breakout hit, ‘No Turning Back II.’
But the night was more than music—it was a statement of unity in a nation yearning for healing. Top Christian leaders, captains of industry, government officials and partners from across the world were present at the event.
How one seed can create many forests — Adefarasin
Hours before the event, excitement filled the air at Eko Hotel & Suites as journalists, gospel artists, and partners gathered for the official press briefing.
Standing at the podium, Pastor Paul Adefarasin delivered a message that transcended event logistics. He spoke of identity, culture, unity, and Africa’s potential—painting a vision of The Experience as more than a concert.
He described the annual sight of hundreds of thousands worshipping shoulder-to-shoulder at TBS as “unity happening in real time.”
“For one night, people who do not look alike or think alike move to the same rhythm. The rhythm is hope,” he said.
Celebrating culture, keeping gospel roots
In a humorous reflection on the rise of Afrobeats, Adefarasin reminded the audience that many global stars began in the church.
“That is why we are jealous,” he joked. “We don’t want God’s sons and daughters lured away. We can build systems that allow them to shine while honouring Christ.”
The Experience, he noted, remains a safe and excellent platform for nurturing African gospel talent.
Explaining the 20th anniversary theme, Pastor Paul emphasised that unity is not a coincidence but a deliberate pursuit.
“We do not stand together because we are the same, but because we are willing to build something greater than ourselves.”
He linked unity to nation-building, institutional integrity, and spiritual strength.
Vision behind upcoming ‘Jesus United’ album, hints
Anticipation is building for the release of Jesus United, the new album from Pastor Paul, who says the project is more than music—“it is a movement built on decades of divinely orchestrated relationships, cultural discipline, and a renewed call for unity in the global Church.”
Speaking about the vision behind the album, Pastor Paul explained that many of the partnerships emerging around Jesus United were formed long before anyone knew what they would become.
“God often builds relationships 20 or 30 years ahead,” he said. “We didn’t realise where He was going with them. One of our constant prayers was, ‘Lord, preserve these relationships for what you want to do in the eras to come.’ Now we see why.”
He noted that the collaboration between the ministry’s “green team,” volunteers, and workers in Lagos and across the national church was intentional and rooted in core values—not convenience.
“When I say discipline, I don’t mean punishment,” he clarified. “I mean the commitment to make your life a sacrifice. We treat people with dignity. We esteem kings as kings. And if you’re a Christian, you’re a king or queen.”
10-song album anchored on unity, not uniformity
Pastor Paul said Jesus United would feature ten tracks created in partnership with international gospel ministers, including Israel, and a small group of collaborators. The album is designed to celebrate diversity while amplifying unity.
“We want to promote unity, not uniformity,” he said. “Uniformity robs you of your diversity, while diversity enriches unity. God takes people who are different and creates a harmony so powerful that the world sees it and glorifies the Father.”
He added that plans are underway for a major event in the summer—timed carefully to avoid Lagos’s rainy season—where friends and ministers from around the world will gather to perform the project’s centrepiece track, Jesus United, described as a “hefty, hour-long song experience, weighty in glory.”
He posited that the proceeds from the launch will be used to support the IDPs’ camps across the northern state. He noted that the need to be humane and remember our brothers and sisters in need at this time is imperative and germane. We will not touch the money but send it straight to our brothers in need.
Global Worship Leaders Call for Spiritual Unity
Speaking for the first time in Nigeria, a global worship producer, Les Moin, expressed deep gratitude to Pastor Paul and the church, House on The Rock, for hosting what he described as a divinely orchestrated moment.
“This is my first time here in Nigeria,” he said. “If I can voice what I sense in the Father’s heart today — He is waiting. There is a cry in the Father’s heart.”
Moin recounted waking up to the view of the ocean and being reminded of Jeremiah 31:10, underscoring God’s promise to gather His people “as a shepherd gathers his flock.” He linked this to Zephaniah 3:10, which speaks of worshippers arising from beyond the rivers of Ethiopia.
He suggested that what is happening in Nigeria may be part of a global spiritual movement: “Is it possible that this is more than a Nigerian experience? More than a continental experience? Could it be an Ephesians 3:10 moment where the wisdom of God is revealed to principalities and powers?”
Moin also hinted at a forthcoming mission: bringing African worship into American Jewish communities. “We’re going into synagogues, into Jewish communities, to sing over His people,” he said.
“We are witnessing the greatest return of the Jewish people since North Africa over 3,300 years ago.”
Encouraging worshippers globally, he added, “Revelation 5 speaks of 100 million intercessors around the throne right now. We are part of this unity of Jesus tied to the holy word of God.”
His remarks drew chants of “Hallelujah!” from the audience.
Sinach: Every year raises the bar
Award-winning gospel artist Sinach said the gathering continues to grow in impact each year.
“People come from around the world to witness what God is doing here,” she noted. “We are excited to see thousands — even hundreds of thousands — gather to worship for just one night.”
She emphasised gratitude as the heart of the event:
“Whatever the year has been, we come to say: ‘Thank you, God. You know the end from the beginning.’”
Dunsin Oyekan: Unity of faith will be achieved through worship
Gospel minister, Dunsin Oyekan, described the event as deeply prophetic.
“I believe the unity of faith will be achieved by worship,” he said. “Many of the truths we try so hard to teach are actually meant to be caught in worship.”
Oyekan added that worship is God’s tool for rebuilding the “tabernacle of David,” bringing diverse expressions of the church into harmony.
Naomi Raine: We are on a mission
American worship leader Naomi Raine reflected on the spiritual purpose of the gathering.
“I am grateful for what was released earlier,” she said. “It reminded me of why we do what we do. Every worship artist here carries an apostolic mission to make God’s praise glorious.”
She described her ministry as mission-driven wherever she goes:
“People must see Jesus lifted — King, sovereign, supreme, the answer to every problem. I cannot wait to worship with all the voices together.”
Solomon Lange: We are persecuted, but not silent
Northern gospel singer Solomon Lange, reflecting on current national conversations about insecurity in Northern Nigeria, said his presence at the event held symbolic weight.
“It feels good that the world is finally talking about what is going on in the North — something we have lived with all our lives.”
Lange recalled his childhood, describing Saturdays and Sundays as moments filled with fear due to violence. Yet he emphasised that the church has taught believers to respond with forgiveness.
“I sing about the love of Christ because we believe that anyone who encounters that love will be changed,” he said.
