The Teargas Arena, otherwise known as the sports grounds of Makerere University, was filled to full capacity when the award-winning gospel music legend Maverick and his highly popular brother, Kirk Franklin, staged an unforgettable night of praises in the Kingdom Tour concert. Hundreds of gospel music lovers from across the country and the region converged at Makerere University yesterday to witness a landmark performance on the country’s gospel music scene—the first-ever Kingdom Tour concert.
The grand event attracted celebrities and commoners as well. The entire audience became charged with the essence of waiting and eagerness. The concert of the Kingdom Tour was lavish and costly at the same time it was cost-effective and cheap; in a single word—Explosive—an equal event, which would welcome anyone and everyone without any discrimination.
An amazing stage, dazzling in design, was what Fenon Events had set up for its expected audience. The stage, coupled with fine light, sound, and graphic effects, gave an aptly sparkling background in boosting the glory of the evening. Really magnificent, the set-up left audiences agape, thus setting the tone for what should be an incredible night.
At 8pm, naname ya Naomi Raine and Chandler Moore of the Maverick City collective graced the stage with a performance that felt powerful and soul-lifting in equal measures. They left an impression on the crowd, belting out songs like “Million Little Miracles,” “Man Of Your Word,” “Come Rest On Us,” “Jireh,” “I Thank God,” “More Than Able,” and “For My Good,” leaving the fans yearning for more spirit-filled music.
After that commendable set by Maverick, the moment came for the stage to be lit by the legendary Kirk Franklin, on his second-ever performance in Uganda. High-energy performances are his style, and Franklin’s performances have always been an epitome and gush of energy. He gave the crowd a taste of some of his greatest hits, like “Bless Me,” “Ok,” “Smile,” and the all-time hit, “Stomp.” Now was the time for the crowd to go wild in praise, dancing and singing along to each and every word.
Some of the country’s great gospel singers came, including the Nigerian gospel sensation Tim Godfrey and the Ugandans John Marie plus his fellow Sam Kimera, who added a Ugandan gospel feel to the function. Their performances greatly depicted the diversity and live talent that characterizes gospel music in Africa.
Then, there were concerts of the Kingdom Tour at Makerere University—not just entirely music but, rather, a mighty assembly of believers in worship and jubilation. The event showed amazing evidence of the growth of gospel music in Uganda and how people are deeply hungry for spiritual experiences that uplift and inspire. As the last notes of the evening reverberated over the arena, this was an evening that would stamp itself into the memories of all present.
