The Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) is resonating with global praise tonight as The Experience, one of the world’s largest gospel music events, celebrates its historic 20th edition.

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Under the unifying theme ‘Jesus United,’ the gathering celebrates two decades of uninterrupted worship, prayer, and musical excellence, drawing attendees from across Nigeria and the world, both in person and online.

Ahead of the night’s festivities, Paul Adefarasin, the convener and senior pastor of House on the Rock, addressed pressing national and spiritual matters at a press conference in Eko Hotel and Suites.

Speaking on national development, Adefarasin issued a direct appeal to the nation’s elite.

“The wealthy in this country must learn to intentionally repatriate wealth into our foundational infrastructure—into education, schools, hospitals, and energy. We need reliable energy to industrialize and truly progress,” he said.

Reflecting on the essence of Christmas, he offered a profound theological perspective.

“While we acknowledge that December 25th may not be the exact date of Christ’s birth, by convention we celebrate the incarnation—the truth that God became man,” he added.

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“He lived perfectly, died on the cross to atone for all sin—past, present, and future—and rose again, so that we might have eternal access to God and become manifestations of His glory. That is the heart of our celebration.”

Responding to Nigeria’s recent designation by the US President Donald Trump as a “state of particular concern,” the cleric framed it as a catalyst for national reckoning.

“Even if such a report has adversarial origins, God can wield it for our good. It forces us to confront complicity in high places. Crime must be prosecuted as crime, with the full force of the state applied lawfully. No one can be above the law,” he said.

On his part, acclaimed gospel singer Solomon Lange spoke on the unique character of worship from his region, the north.

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“I can say, both boldly and sarcastically, that worship from the north is perhaps the purest in Nigeria because it is often offered in the midst of pain and adversity. We worship God regardless of our circumstances,” he said.

On the subject of alleged persecution, he stated, “The world is now discussing what we have lived with for years. I hesitate to use the term ‘genocide,’ but the Bible teaches us to love, not to hate. We respond with the love of Christ”.

Thousands have converge at TBS and millions more stream the event globally, with a powerhouse  lineup that bridges continents and genres.

Leading the contingent from the United States are multiple Grammy Award-winning worship leader Israel Houghton and chart-topping singer Travis Greene, famed for his anthem ‘Made A Way’.

They are joined by Maverick City Music cornerstone Naomi Raine and acclaimed vocalist Chandler Moore. From Jamaica, the legendary reggae gospel voice of Chevelle Franklyn will bring her distinctive sound to the Lagos stage.

The heart of the lineup features a roll call of Nigeria’s most influential gospel artistes, headlined by global phenomenon Sinach. She is joined by Mercy Chinwo, Moses Bliss, Frank Edwards, Dunsin Oyekan and Onos Ariyo.

Others are Muyiwa Olarewaju, Bidemi Olaoba, Adeyinka Alaseyori, Beejay Sax and Mike Aremu and the dynamic group Mr M & Revelation among others

The event will also feature a special debut performance by Afro-fusion gospel artiste Gaise Baba.

Watch the event live here:



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