The Experience (commonly known as The Experience Lagos) is an annual, free

gospel music Gospel music is a traditional genre of Christian music, and a cornerstone of Christian media. The creation, performance, significance, and even the definition of gospel music varies according to culture and social context. Gospel music is com ...

concert A concert is a live music performance in front of an audience. The performance may be by a single musician, sometimes then called a recital, or by a musical ensemble, such as an orchestra, choir, or band. Concerts are held in a wide variety a ...

held at the

Tafawa Balewa Square The Tafawa Balewa Square, (TBS) is a ceremonial ground (originally called "Race Course") in Lagos Island, Lagos. History Lagos Race Course now TBS, was a sports field that hosted horse racing, but included a section for football and ground t ...

Lagos Island Lagos Island (''Ìsàlẹ̀ Èkó'') is the principal and central local government area (LGA) in Lagos, it was the capital of Lagos State until 1957. It is part of the Lagos Division. As of the preliminary 2006 Nigerian census, the LGA had a pop ...

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

. Begun and hosted by

House on the Rock The House on the Rock is a tourist attraction located between the cities of Dodgeville and Spring Green, Wisconsin. Opened in 1959, it is a complex of architecturally distinct rooms, streets, gardens, and shops designed by Alex Jordan Jr. ...

lead pastor

Paul Adefarasin Paul Adeolu Adefarasin (born 25 January 1963) is a Nigerian pastor and televangelist. He is the Prelate and Metropolitan Senior Pastor of the House on the Rock church headquartered in Lagos (Nigeria) with branches in several cities across Nigeri ...

in 2006, the first concert had an attendance of 70,000 people. The concert features local and international artists such as Kirk Franklin, CeCe Winans, Donnie McClurkin,

Don Moen Donald James Moen (born June 29, 1950) is an American singer, pianist, and songwriter of Christian worship music. Early and personal life Moen grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota where he attended high school in 1968. Moen attended Oral Rob ...

, Frank Edwards,

Nathaniel Bassey Nathaniel Bassey is a Nigerian singer, pastor, trumpeter and gospel songwriter popularly known for his songs "Imela", "Onise Iyanu" and "Olowogbogboro." He attends The Redeemed Christian Church Of God and pastors The Oasis Lagos, The Youth Ch ...

, and Chioma Jesus. The Experience is recognised as one of

Africa Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia in both cases. At about 30.3 million km2 (11.7 million square miles) including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area ...

's largest musical events. The music score and direction at the concert has been provided by Wilson Joel since 2013. As a result of the restrictions on mass gathering due to the

COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The novel virus was first identif ...

, the 2020 edition of the concert (tagged "The Experience 15 - Global Edition"), was performed virtually, with the performances live-streamed on satellite television and social media.

History

The Experience was presented for the first time on 1 December 2006 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, with 70,000 people in attendance. The concert featured Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, Donnie McClurkin, Lionel Peterson, Jamal Bryant, Mike Aremu, Dunni Olanrewaju, Dc Envoys, Gordons, Asu Ekiye, Buchi, Tosin Martins, and Midnight Crew.

2007–2009

2007 was the only year in which the Experience has not been presented in December; that year, the concert was moved to 30 November. Participating musicians were Kirk Franklin, Israel Houghton, and Lionel Peterson. The 5 December 2008 concert featured Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Don Moen, Fred Hammond,

Kurt Carr Kurt Carr (born October 12, 1964) is an American gospel music composer and performer. While living in the city of Hartford, Connecticut, he served as Minister of Music at The First Baptist Church of Hartford located at the time on Greenfield Str ...

Chevelle Franklyn Chevelle Franklyn (born 4 March 1974) is a Jamaican reggae and gospel reggae singer. Early life and reggae career Born in the Tawes Pen area of Spanish Town in St. Catherine Parish, Franklyn was the fourth in a family of ten children. She was f ...

Mary Mary Mary Mary is a female American urban contemporary gospel duo composed of sisters Erica Atkins-Campbell (born April 29, 1972) and Trecina Atkins-Campbell (born May 1, 1974). Formed in 1998, Mary Mary was launched into mainstream recognition fo ...

Muyiwa Olarewaju Muyiwa Olarewaju (born 26 November) is a British Gospel singer and songwriter who mixes traditional gospel music with elements of world music (from Africa, the Caribbean and Asia), soul, R&B and pop. He is also an experienced performer, bro ...

, ‘Dekunle Fuji and Midnight Crew. The fourth edition of the Experience, on 4 December 2009, featured music by

Lara George Lara George is a US-based Nigerian-American gospel recording artiste, songwriter and producer. Early life and education Lara George was born on 23 June 1978 into the family of Oluwole Bajomo in Lagos State, the administrative division of Nigeri ...

Sammie Okposo Sammie Okposo (30 May 1971 – 25 November 2022) was a Nigerian gospel artist. Okposo was also a music producer, psalmist, and CEO of Zamar Entertainment. He released his debut album, ''Unconditional love'' in 2000 and his sophomore album ''Ad ...

, Don Moen, Gordons,

Timi Dakolo Timi Dakolo (born January 20, 1981) is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and music producer. He emerged winner of the inaugural season of ''Idols West Africa'' in 2007. Accompanying his victory was a recording contract with Sony BMG, in addition to ...

, Donnie Mc Cluckin,

Mike Aremu Mike Aremu is a Nigerian Afro jazz saxophone player that draw from traditional Nigerian sounds. Early life At 8 years old, in Niger State, Nigeria, at his local church he started playing musical instruments. He was a member of the Boys Brigade ...

Nikki Laoye Oyenike Laoye, known professionally as Nikki Laoye, is a Nigerian recording artist, singer, humanitarian, songwriter, dancer and occasional actress, renowned for her musical expressions and stage performances. As a recording artist, Laoye's m ...

, Rooftop MCs,

Ron Kenoly Ron Kenoly (born December 6, 1944) is an American Christian worship leader, singer, and songwriter whose expressed mission is "to create an environment for the manifest presence of God". His musical style is one of jubilant praise and individu ...

BeBe Bebe, Bèbè, Bebé, Bébé or BeBe may refer to: People and fictional characters * Bebe (given name), a list of people and fictional characters with the given name or nickname * Bebé, footballer Tiago Manuel Dias Correia (born 1990) * Bebé (f ...

and CeCe Winans, and Kirk Franklin.

2010–2012

The 3 December 2010 Experience featured

Panam Percy Paul Bakulipanam Percy Paul Mokungah, widely known by his stage name Panam Percy Paul, is a Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose musical career spans 40 years. He was born to major Paul Harley, an officer in the Nigerian ...

, Fred Hammond,

Phil Driscoll Phil Driscoll (born November 9, 1947) is a trumpeter, singer, composer, and producer. He performs in varying music genres and styles which include rock and roll, rhythm and blues, and patriotic music, and is best known for his work in Christian ...

, Judy Jacob, Don Moen,

Papa San Tyrone Thompson, (born July 1, 1967)
better known as Papa San, is a Jamaic ...

, Mary Mary, Mike Aremu, Sammy Okposo,

Micah Stampley Micah Keith Stampley (born September 7, 1971) is an American gospel singer-songwriter and actor. Early life Micah Stampley was born on September 7, 1971 to Richard and Delmarie Stampley. The fifth of eight children, he exhibited his musical ...

, Israel Houghton, and Chevelle Franklyn. Nigerian president

Goodluck Jonathan Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan (born 20 November 1957)Lawson Heyford, ''The Source'' (Lagos), 11 December 2006. is a Nigerian politician who served as the President of Nigeria from 2010 to 2015. He lost the 2015 presidential election to fo ...

and

Lagos State Lagos State ( yo, Ìpínlẹ̀ Èkó) is a States of Nigeria, state in South West (Nigeria), southwestern Nigeria. Of the 36 States of Nigeria, states, it is both the List of Nigerian states by population, most populous and List of Nigerian state ...

governor Babatunde Fashola were in attendance. The 2 December 2011 concert was moved to the

Eko Hotels and Suites Eko Hotels and Suites is a five-star conference centre hotel in Lagos. 09161518010 History Established in 1977 as ''Èkó Holiday Inn'' and built on Victoria Island, it is the largest hotel in Nigeria. It was designed by architect Oluwole Olumu ...

' Expo Center. The concert, which lasted from 5 pm to 1 am, included Don Moen, Chevelle Franklyn, Micah Stampley and Kirk Franklin, and required a free ticket. The seventh edition of the Experience, on 7 December 2012, featured Don Moen, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond, Micah Stampley, Chevelle Franklin, Deitrick Haddon, Timi Dakolo and the Soweto Spiritual Singers. Yakubu Gowon, Tonye Cole, Olusegun Mimiko, Wale Adefarasin, Emmanuella Abimbola Fashola and Sam Adeyemi were in attendance.

2013–2015

The 6 December 2013 concert featured

, Donnie McClurkin,

Yolanda Adams Yolanda Yvette Adams (born August 27, 1961) is an American gospel singer, actress, and host of her own nationally syndicated morning gospel show. She is one of the best-selling gospel artists of all time, having sold over 10 million album ...

Tye Tribbett Tyrone "Tye" Tribbett (born January 26, 1976) is an American gospel music singer, songwriter and keyboardist. He is choir director and founder of the Grammy-nominated and Stellar Award-winning gospel group Tye Tribbett & G.A. (short for 'Greater ...

, Israel Houghton, Cece Winans,

, Eben, Frank Edwards, Midnight Crew, and Freke. Over 600,000 people attended the 5 December 2014 concert, with Donnie McClurkin, Israel Houghton, Chevelle Franklin,

, Midnight Crew, Freke Umoh, Frank Edwards, Sinach,

, Angella Christie, Onos Ariyo and Chioma Jesus performing.

Jimi Agbaje Olujimi Kolawole Agbaje (popularly known as Jimi Agbaje or JK; born 2 March 1957), is a Nigerian Pharmacist, and Politician. He was the 2015 PDP's Lagos State Governorship candidate, but he lost out to the eventual winner Akinwunmi Ambode. He ...

Abimbola Fashola Abimbola Fashola (born 6 April 1965) is a former First Lady of Lagos State and spouse of Babatunde Fashola. Early life and career Abimbola Emmanuela Fashola was born on 6 April 1965, in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria. S ...

and

Femi Fani-Kayode David Oluwafemi Adewunmi Abdulateef Fani-Kayode (born 16 October 1960) is a Nigerian politician, essayist, poet and lawyer. He was a member of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was with the opposition's All Progressive Congress (A ...

attended the concert. On 4 December 2015, Adefarasin held a press conference at the

for that year's concert. The performers were

, Fred Hammond, Frank Edwards, Donnie McClurkin, Hezekiah Walker, Kim Burrell, Jessica Reedy, Sonnie Badu, Chioma Jesus,

, Midnight Crew,

, Julius Nglass and the Lagos City Chorale. Unlike the previous one-day concerts, additional dates (12 and 15 December) were included in the event; over 700,000 people were in attendance.

2016–2017

The 2 December 2016 event, attended by 700,000 people, featured performances by

Travis Greene Travis Montorius Greene (born January 17, 1984) is an American gospel musician and pastor. Music career Greene began his music career in 2007 with the release of ''The More'' via Greenelight Records. He has since released two studio albums, ' ...

, Donnie McClurkin,

Tope Alabi Tope Alabi (born 27 October 1970) in Ogun, a Nigerian gospel singer, film music composer and actress. She is also known as Ore ti o common and as Agbo Jesu. Tope Alabi obtained a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the polytechni ...

, Tim Godfrey, Segun Obe, Samsong, Onos Ariyo, Gabriel Eziashi, Frank Edwards, Smokie Norful, Micah Stampley, Eno Michael, and Chioma Jesus. Nigerian vice-president Yemi Osinbajo, his wife Oludolapo Osinbajo,

Don Jazzy Michael Collins Ajereh (born 26 November 1982), known professionally as Don Jazzy, is a Nigerian record producer. He is the founder and the CEO of Mavin Records. Don Jazzy was co-owner of the now-defunct Mo' Hits Records record label with D'b ...

Tiwa Savage Tiwa Savage (born 5 February 1980) is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and performing artist. Born in Isale Eko, she relocated to London at the age of 11 for her secondary education. Five years later, she began her music career doing backup voc ...

Dr SID Sidney Onoriode Esiri (born 1 May 1980), commonly known as Dr SID, is a Nigerian singer. Early life Dr SID is from Delta State, he was born and raised in Lagos. His mother is a fashion designer and his father, Justus Esiri, is an actor.

, and

Toke Makinwa Toke Makinwa (born 3 November 1984) is a Nigerian radio personality, television host, vlogger, lifestyle entrepreneur, actress and author. Toke is known for hosting ''The Morning Drive'' on Rhythm 93.7 FM and for her YouTube vlog series ''Toke ...

were in attendance. For the 1 December 2017 concert, Victor Adeyemi of Global Harvest Church delivered an opening prayer; musical performances were by Tim Godfrey,

, Chioma Jesus, Don Moen, Donnie McClurkin, Midnight Crew, Travis Greene, Tope Alabi, Frank Edwards, Sonnie Badu, Beejay Sax, Onos Ariyo, Eben, Micah Stampley and Kingsley "KaeStrings" Innocent. The concert was attended by over 700,000 people. Lagos State governor Akinwunmi Ambode, who commended House on the Rock for supplying 100 secondary schools in the state with computer laboratories, was in attendance.

2018–2019

The 7 December 2018 event with the theme Jesus our peace was attended by 700,000 people, featured performances by

, Evangelist Amaka Okwuoha a.k.a. 'Chioma Jesus', Kirk Franklin,

, Tim Godfrey, Glowreeyah Braimah,

, Donnie Mcclurkin,

Onos Ariyo Onoriode Ebiere Ariyo professionally known as Onos Ariyo is a Nigerian-based singer and songwriter. She is best known for her critically acclaimed song ''"Alagbara" which was written & produced by Nigerian Music Producer Wilson Joel ''. In Septe ...

, Eben, Lagos Metropolitan Choir (LMGC), Eno Michael and Chee. And for the first time at The Experience was J.J. Hairston,

Planetshakers Planetshakers is a contemporary worship music band, a central part of Planetshakers Church in Melbourne, Australia. With over 30 albums, the band toured annually to the US, UK, Europe, South Africa, Asia, South America, Australia and New Zealan ...

, Vicki Yohe, and Ada Ehi.

Babajide Sanwo-olu Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu (born 25 June 1968) is a Nigerian politician and the current Governor of Lagos State. He became governor under the platform of the All Progressives Congress after contesting and unexpectedly winning the gubernatorial p ...

, his wife Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-olu were in attendance. For the 7 December 2019 concert (#LetsWorshipJesus), the Lagos Metropolitan Choir (LMGC) and Segun Obe rendered both stanzas of the Nigerian National anthem; musical performances were by

, Evangelist Amaka Okwuoha a.k.a. 'Chioma Jesus',

, Tim Godfrey, Glowreeyah Braimah,

, Donnie Mcclurkin, Sinach,

, and

. And for the first time at The Experience was

Mercy Chinwo Mercy Nnenda Chinwo is a Nigerian gospel musician, singer, actress, comedian and songwriter. She started singing at age 8 in her church children's choir, she won the ''Nigerian Idol'' Season 2 in 2012. Life and career Mercy Nnenda Chinwo wa ...

, Preye Odede, William McDowell and

Todd Dulaney Todd Anthony Dulaney (born December 20, 1983) is an American gospel musician, and former baseball player. His music career started in 2011, with the release of the CD version, ''Pulling Me Through''. This would be his breakthrough released upon ...

. It featured Nigerian comedians like

Kenny Blaq Otolorin Kehinde Peter, performing as Kenny Blaq, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian and singer. He performed at the 2nd edition of Unlock Naija Independence celebration and Africa Magic Owambe Finale Early life kenny Blaq had both primary and se ...

, Larry J, Forever, MC Abbey and

Akpororo Bowoto Jephthah Oluwatiseyifumi Tanimola, popularly known as Akpororo, is a Nigerian stand-up comedian, vocalist and actor. Early life and career Akpororo is a native of Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria but he was born and brought up in Warri, a cit ...

. The concert which lasted for more than 10 hours was attended by almost a million people,

recognised it as the largest Christian concert in the world.

Segun Agbaje Segun Agbaje (born 1964) is the Managing Director of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), a Nigerian financial institution. He is also a Director of PepsiCo and member of the Mastercard Advisory Board, Middle East and Africa. Education Segun Agbaje at ...

, Mr and Mrs

Sola David-Borha Olusola "Sola" Adejoke David-Borha, is the chief executive (CEO) of Africa Regions at the Standard Bank, Standard Bank Group since January 2017. She was the CEO of Stanbic IBTC Holdings until January 2017 and was deputy CEO and executive director ...

, Mrs

Folorunsho Alakija Folorunsho Alakija (born 15 July 1951) is a Nigerian billionaire businesswoman and philanthropist. She is involved in the fashion, oil, real estate and printing industries. She is the Group Managing Director of The Rose of Sharon Group which c ...

, Lagos State governor

, his wife Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-olu were also at #TE14.

2020 "Global Edition"

The 2020 edition of the concert held on Friday, 11 December 2020. As a result of the restrictions on mass gatherings and to maintain physical distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 edition of the concert, (tagged "The Experience 15 - Global Edition"), for the first time, did not take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos which had hosted the past 14 editions. Instead, the entire concert was streamed online on YouTube, other digital platforms and designated channels on satellite television. On the 23rd of November, the organisers tweeted: “Yes we had the last 14 editions together mainly in one place, yet now we're not apart, we're still in this together as we go global with the #TE15G. There are no barriers and nothing can stop us, our God deserves our praise all the way, and He will have it." The 2020 edition showcased artistic musical performances, goodwill messages and intercessory prayers by internationally recognised artistes. Gospel acts already confirmed to perform include: Sinach,

, William Mcdowell,

, Ada,

, Matt Redman, Eben,

, Donnie Mcclurkin, Nokwe the Poet, The Planetshakers, Tasha Cobbs,

, The Cape Town Philharmonic Choir, Ana Paula Valadao, Maverick City, Sonnie Badu and Sheldon Bangera.

Venues, traffic, and security

Except for 2011 and 2020, the Experience has been presented at the Tafawa Balewa Square. The square, which has a normal capacity of 50,000, is equipped with extra seating for the concert. A combined Lagos State Traffic Management (LASTMA) and

Nigeria Police Force The Nigeria Police Force is the principal law enforcement and the lead security agency in Nigeria. Designated by the 1999 constitution as the national police of Nigeria with exclusive jurisdiction throughout the country, as at 2016 it has a s ...

is deployed to ease traffic flow, and police, the Rapid Response Squad, the Anti-Bomb Squad and private security are usually present at each concert.

References

External links

* {{DEFAULTSORT:Experience (gospel concert) Music festivals in Lagos Annual events in Nigeria 2006 establishments in Nigeria Christian music festivals Recurring events established in 2006 Tourist attractions in Lagos Gospel music festivals