A huge round of applause from ecstatic crowd at the jam-packed hall in Muson Centre, Lagos ushered in gospel act, Gbenga Adenuga, to the podium last Sunday. Time was 5pm. Event was the third edition of the fast-rising Worship With Gbenga Adenuga (WWGA) concert.
Many had arrived several minutes before eager for front rows. They wanted to get as close as possible to the centre from where Adenuga was billed to lead them into the worship of God. A visibly elated Adenuga welcomed his guests to the “throne of Grace and pure worship.”
The moment he launched into highly enhancting worship songs, many could not bear to remain on their seats. There were either on their knees or standing. The awesome presence of God was too much to ignore or resist. They simply latched on to the euphoric moment, completely lost in His presence.
Adenuga, who has led worship sessions for over two decades, was soaked himself. And he effortlessly passed the overwhelming effect to the receptive audience. He sang of God’s greatness. He sang of His faithfulness. He sang of how He bought from the miry clay to the place of significance.
For over one hour, Adenuga took the audience into soulful, awesome time with God. Many could literally feel the palpable presence of God. When he paused for a break, the audience couldn’t but ask for more. But it would be a long night. There would still be time for them to worship God. There was no need to hurry. God would always be there, ever ready to receive the praise of His people.
The Awimayehun coroner had something enthralling off his sleeve. In the hall was glamorous soul singer, Sola Allyson. He announced she would take a few minutes to “take us on a stroll of heaven”. The crowd roared and clapped. The night was already impactful. To have Allyson lead them to God’s presence would be simply irresistible.
Allyson, ever humble and inspiring, mounted the podium with a surge of calming influence. She took the crowd in an unforgettable moment of worship for over thirty minutes. She praised God in her peculiar voice. Her fulsome Yoruba praises left the audience stunned. Many couldn’t bottle their emotive joy. They let it out with a stream of gratefulness.
Adenuga soon returned to finish off what he started. There were hymns of God’s awesomeness and incomparability. There were compositions of His wondrous acts. And of course, there were traditional renditions that left many on the dancing floor. The concert ended with many asking for more. But it’s been three hours. Yet, time means nothing when men are in God’s presence.
Speaking with reporters after the concert, Adenuga said he would continue to organise the event free of charge to thank God. “I don’t see a big deal in doing big things for God. This is just my passion and life. I love God with a passion and this is how I can express it best. I believe if I don’t spend my time and resources this way, what if I am sick and need a liver? Where will I get the money for treatment? If I don’t have such challenge, why can’t I do something great for God?”
