It was a concert fit for Christians. Through the ministry of some soul-speaking songs and gripping testimonies, the artistes, few in number, entertained and re-educated converts.
International renowned sister act, Mary Mary, also known as the Campbell Sisters, had the 'church' laughing and singing, with fantastic performances of their popular songs. They proved without a doubt to be wonderful singers with commanding stage presence. But church is about testimonies, and the best ones came from the local gospel artistes, Prodigal Son and Thrillers United.
Thrillers United, performing after Prodigal Son, were greeted with screams from the large turnout at the National Arena, on a rainy Sunday after they opened with Sweet Rose of Sharon.
When the five members of Leroy Smith, Dian Barrett-Stewart, Pat Archer, Sandra Brooks and Shirley Willis finally emerged it was clear that they were 'going to have church'. Alternating the lead, each singer took the church down memory lane, with songs such as Don't Try To Tell Me That God Is Dead and His Majesty.
But all eyes were on Shirley Willis, who still looked a little frail after her near-death experience. She was constantly watched and aided by her peers. She gave the best testimony of the evening.
"I was near death, and the doctors told me that I would not walk. Look at me," and with that she did a jog-on-the-spot before giving an emotional delivery of I Must Tell Jesus.
After a service-like performance, the group concluded with Raise Your Hand to the Lord, which is played to a calypso rhythm.
Premier MC of gospel concerts, Nadine Blair, described Prodigal Son as a "member of the army of God", as she introduced him.
Tour of duty
From offstage the soldier began his tour of duty with "I was about to give up on the church" before singing Don't You Give Up Jesus followed by a passionate dialogue with God in Dry Bones.
"God you keep blessing me and let my dry bones live again," he sang.
"Is it okay to praise God in a reggae style?" Prodigal Son asked the already ignited worshippers later. Then he began professed his love for God with Love God Bad, Bad. Now sweating profusely, the Prodigal Son removed his jacket and launched into Ketch a Fire. As he made his exit he spoke once again, "Fi one imperfect soul, mi love Jesus."
After a lengthy band change between Thrillers United and Mary Mary, it was time for the Campbell Sisters from California to reignite the church. Wearing pairs of Capri jeans pants and black tops, the sisters, whose stage names were taken from Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, got off to the anticipated start. Between their popular songs such as Walking and Can't Give Up Now, it was explained that their ministry "is about going and telling people that Jesus cares".
If there was any doubt about their talent it was removed with an excellent rendition of Yesterday. And towards the wrapping up of their ministry the Marys, Erica and Tina, gave another stirring performance of their new single the beautiful Sitting on the Line. Then they teased the audience with "It is well in me" before singing one of their signature pieces, Can't Give Up Now.
And after the exit of Mary Mary, the delightful concert, dubbed Gospel in Harmony, came to an end, but there were some flaws to be registered; the change of bands for Thrillers United and Mary, Mary was too long, and the steady flow of pedestrian traffic in front of the stage, and the repeated convergence to the foot of the stage by all and sundry contradicted the beautifully decorated stage.
Other performers of the evening were Kencot Church Choir and the gospel group One Voice. They, too, were powerful in their music ministry.
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