Gospel Fest blasts off at Victoria Park

The opening of the Seventh Annual SVG Gospel Fest was a treat of beautiful singing and heartfelt renditions.

On Saturday night, April 4th, 2009, members of the Christian community turned out in droves at the Victoria Park for the event which showcases the talent that exists in the various churches across St.Vincent and the Grenadines, as well as within the region.{{more}} The ceremony also served as a precursor to a month of activities displaying the best of St.Vincent and the Grenadines in music, song, dance, drama, standup comedy, and sermonette.

The Diadem Dancers kicked off the evening’s programme with a scintillating dance performance, which was well appreciated by the audience.

One of the high points of the event was Aloma Cadougan’s sterling rendition dubbed ‘Declaration of Blessings’. Cadougan for a number of years performed at the Victoria Park as one of this country’s leading calypsonians under the moniker ‘Fatty Dan’. However, Saturday night’s performance was one of a difference.

Cadougan, who is now a Christian, took to the stage under her new stage name ‘Gospel Dan’. The song, with a groovy tempo beat, had the crowd swaying and singing with much adulation.

The Miraclettes of Barbados, who have been performing for the past 25 years, warmed up the crowd. Their performance at the launch was indeed outstanding. Their package included renditions such as ‘I am a friend of God’, ‘How Great is our God?’, ‘I just can’t give up now’, and ‘Giants do fall, the bigger they are the harder they fall’.

Other highlights of the programme were a sermonette delivered by Ziana Duncan of the Healing and Prophetic Ministry, a performance by the New Generation Gospel Band, and Petra Samuel of the Church of God of Prophecy.

The launch was also graced by the presence of international gospel artiste Wayne Hilton of Nashville, Tennessee, and Evangelist Larry Orrell.

The curtains came down on the programme with a dynamic performance by Ijeal Joseph of Grenada, whose gospel songs were delivered through the Reggae genre. He sang songs such as ‘Closer to you’, Cleanse my heart, oh Lord’, and ‘Obstacles: Father, help me I pray’.

From April 9 to April 19, zonal gospel showcases will take place throughout the country in communities such as North and South Windward, Marriaqua, Kingstown, North and South Leeward, and Bequia under the theme ‘Rejoice in the Lord’.

Gospel Fest 2009 is expected to go into high gear on April 25 and 26, when former Vincentian Calypsonian and Soca Artiste now gospel singer Papa Das, and Jason Mighty of Jamaica return to Victoria Park with their melodious singing.(HN)