Praise Fest 2022 (Event Review)
Thanks to the folks at Higher Level Promotions we were able to end April with a grateful noise, in an atmosphere of excited fellowship and Christ exalting praise. Since the easing of the restrictions in our country we have been able to enjoy some of the freedoms we have been lamenting since 2020, one of such freedoms was the ability to gather together for a gospel concert, to see other local artistes come together to creatively minister with the gifts they’ve been given. One such event I had the pleasure of attending was Praise Fest 1.0.
Praise Fest 1.0 was held at the Chantimelle playing field in St. Patrick, Grenada on the 30th of April 2022. It was organized by Higher Level Promotions and included local ministers K Morale, Giddon Gilbert, Kerry Davis and for very first time ever in Grenada Samuel Medas from Guyana. It was indeed an event with something for everyone, starting with a fun day at around 2pm for the children with games and activities they thoroughly enjoyed. The atmosphere was charged with excitement, not just in anticipation of Medas’ presence, but I think we were all just happy to be together, to catch up with old friends, to connect with colleagues and acquaintances, to have a fun event as Christians with an opportunity to impact the community around us.
Despite a few hiccups like a late start and some technical difficulties, Praise Fest 1.0 was the place to be on April 30th, 2022. The event opened with prayer and worship, and was hosted by Grace Divine Noel and Bro. David Andrew. Kerry Davis had the honour of being the opening performance, backed by a skillful band and armed with some of his own songs, but had a bit of a rough start. Remember those technical difficulties I mentioned earlier? Well it turns out that when you’re the first to perform you are likely to bear the brunt of any issues with the sound that may not have been picked up in the sound check. But like a true soldier in the Lord’s army, Davis pushed through, even past his own personal struggles, and he managed to recover well; his last two selections winning back a frustrated audience. Following Davis’s recovery we had our heart strings tugged on by the cutest performance as six year old Dawnissa took the stage with a dance she choreographed herself, to the song “Act Like You know” by Rizon.
Having been thoroughly warmed up by Davis and Dawnissa, the crowd cheered as Giddon Gilbert took to the stage along with the resurrected Flame band, all decked out in Giddon’s signature apparel from his Peculiar Designz clothing line (see our interview with Giddon here). Giddon brought the energy as he performed some of his original songs, cranking up the energy with his fast moving feet in synergy with his waving rag. He was joined on stage by Forsyth who featured on his song “One God“. The Flame band did a great job accompanying him; a team of talented young musicians and singers.
Following Giddon, was the honey dipped performance of the lady behind the event: K Morale (see our interview with KMorale here). One has to acknowledge K Morale’s signature style for her performance, a white body suit worn under a floral peplum top with a peacock trail, topped off with her matching wide brimmed hat. She gracefully claimed the stage, engaging the crowd with her warm smile; it’s interesting how K Morale’s personality shines through her performances. Her selections from her album “Answer the Call”, such as “Wait on the Lord” were well done, carried on her powerful vocals, accompanied by skillful musicians from the Kingdom State of Mind Band and perfectly harmonized by the Trinity back ups.
Finally, for the first time ever in Grenada, Samuel Medas and the Kingsmen Band graced the stage. Medas took Praise Fest 1.0 to another level, I always admired the way that he ministers, bringing the energy with his stage presence and passion. The depth in Medas’ lyrics is one of the captivating aspects of his music, along with the fact that Medas is a worshipper at heart. Medas had the crowd reeling, between jumping and shouting and waving, to hands lifted in surrendered worship, to hearts humbled in quiet contemplation, he ministered with songs like “Royalty“, “Move“, “Stadium” and so much more. He interacted with the crowd in such a way that you would think he was one of us. He also managed to maintain an amicable disposition despite the technical difficulties they seemed to have been experiencing. He was also backed by Trinity, whose vocals were phenomenal, you would think they’ve always been performing with him. Overall, it was a great performance and excellent time of ministry and I do hope we get to see him grace our island again.
What a time it was at Praise Fest 1.0. It was not without it’s difficulties, but after being inside and restricted for so long, we didn’t care so much, I think the mood of the night was really captured when Medas started shouting “we outside!” and the crowd echoed his sentiments while bouncing in unison. It was great fellowship, good food, and a time of inspiring ministry. The question that remains, which is really the question we must ask ourselves in all things we do as Christians is, “was God pleased?” and the answer is an individual one. It’s important for us to remember that no matter what we do, whether we’re walking, waving, dancing, jumping, singing or playing… to glorify God. One of the things that stood out in all the performers was their heart for Christ and their passion to make Him known through what they do, I’m sure everyone took home one thing upon which to think on and build on. To all those who put their hearts, talent and creativity on the stage at Praise Fest 1.0, to the promoter, DJ, Hosts, etc God bless you and may you continue to serve Him with what He has given you.
Be a blessing,
Kelly PW
Kelly is the founder of Royalty Press United. Author of the Gemstone Royals fantasy series, Twist of Faith and Crossroads. Counseling psychologist, proud Grenadian and devoted follower of Christ.
You must be logged in to post a comment.