There was so
much excitement in the air as people from all over the country and around the
world converged at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos that night. Apparently,
those who had come the year before couldn’t resist coming again. Though
scheduled for 7:00pm, the venue was already alive way before noon with some
people arriving as early as 5am. Early
as it seemed, the security operatives were already at work at the gate, the
cleaners were tidying and arranging the chairs while the food-vendors were
putting up their stalls in preparation for the demand soon to ensue from
attendees of The Experience 2010.
This event
perhaps means different things to different people. To the hawkers selling
whistles, handkerchiefs, sausages, souvenirs and lots more, the event would be
a promising market. To the technical guys, it meant lots of cables and tons of
equipment to move around. The medical personnel, musicians and ushers might
simply just call it too much work. But I’m sure that for many, it is indeed an
experience of a lifetime, happening every year.
With some help
from a guy, Tolu, who I met on the bus on the way to the event, I arrived in
good time myself to see how everything came together. We had a feeling of what
was to come as the guest artistes began to sound-check their instruments and
equipment. From around 11:50am, Israel Houghton, Mary Mary, Judy Jacobs and Don
Moen took turns to get their preferred set ups for sound.
By noon, most of
the people around started to leave the open space into the shades to find
solace from the sun that seemed to be ‘smiling’ a little too much for comfort.
The crowds began to gather in again at around 3:30 – 4:00pm and the air was
already alive with an almost steady drone from whistles which seemed to be
everywhere as much as were white hankies. Moments later, a resounding blast
came from the vuvuzela’s as a sort of echo to the sound from the trumpet of
Phil Driscoll as he checked his microphone for appropriate delay. Micah
Stampley and Papa San also showed up for their sound checks and by 6:45pm, one
could tell that the crowd was ready (and slightly petulant) for the program
because by this time, the vuvuzela’s and whistles were in a literal sustain for
minutes and the excitement in the air was so thick, you could touch it. I had
changed my seating position to a more vantage location when I got the access
tag for preferred sitting and was somewhat closer to the stage. Though not so
close to the speakers, the thump from the subwoofers sent shockwaves through
the ground that you couldn’t just hear the music, you could feel it. There were
lots of hugs and greetings in the VIP section which suggested that the meeting
was a sort of reunion for many as it was a vacation or retreat agenda for
others. I got to see and meet several familiar faces and skillful musicians
amongst whom were Nathaniel Bassey and Ayo Solanke.
At 7:00pm,
several slides ran across the screen just before Victor Oladokun came to give
the opening prayer and introduced Chosen Treasure featuring Timi Dakolo. There
was a surprise appearance by Lionel Peterson with the song “Peace” and then
“Kabi o osi o”. The next artist came up at 7:40pm and with his appearance, came
the emergence of white hankies all over the place. Sammie Okposo kept the stage
electrified for about 20mins followed by Mike Aremu after a session of prayers
for the nation. Mike’s performance wasn’t without his unique African touch on
the saxophone as he sang songs like “e ti mu mi gbagbe o, ibanuje igba kan”
(You have caused me to forget the sorrows of the past). The song was timely and
a perfect tune to usher in the session of prayers that followed.
By 8:45pm, one
of the prominent names in Nigeria’s gospel music came up and saw the crowds
singing almost all his lines for him…including musical interludes. It was
obvious that the music of Panam Percy Paul hadn’t dwindled in grace as his
performance, which featured Jerry Omole and Ahide Adum, brought back lovely
memories because obviously quite a number of people there present grew up
listening to his music. About thirty minutes later, Governor Fashola came up
after the intro by the convener, Pastor Paul Adefarasin. The governor
appreciated different groups of people present ranging from all the mothers to
the cleaners and ushers.
Like a movie
playing out in real life, the artists continued to emerge and I felt like I was
watching TBN but this time, I was in the television! Micah Stampley and Bishop
John Francis came back to back as they paved the way for Chevelle Franklin who
also thrilled the already excited audience with her Raga version of the
National Anthem. Her rendition led to another session of prayers by Pastor
Taiwo Odukoya and Rev. Dr. Felix who prayed for Families and Miracles
respectively. Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor came up right after Fred Hammond who owned
the stage for about forty five minutes. His performance seemed to have a story
line to it…to say the least.
Pastor Paul came
up again at about midnight and was joined moments later by Phil Driscoll who
sang and played to the National Anthem alongside Onos. That moment was memorable
especially because of a face that came up on the screen of a woman in tears as
she sang the anthem. The crowd went agog moments later as the next person,
dressed in one of the many varieties of the Experience T-Shirts, took the stage
via media – President Goodluck Jonathan. His brief talk drove home the point
that being Nigerian meant possibility and greatness amongst other things.
Judy Jacobs came
up and Ron Kenoly was next in line doing most of Nigeria’s indigenous worship
songs including “I just want to say” and “Jehova, You are the most high”. Both
performances were interspersed with prayer sessions by Pastor Damilola
Oluwatoyinbo and Pastor Sam Adeyemi for the Youths and the Capacity for Vision
respectively. Israel Houghton, Mary-Mary and Papa San came in a successive
fashion with comic relief performances from Comedians like Mc-Abbey, Yaw and
Gordons in between. As the day’s event rounded up, the traffic outside the TBS
gave an idea of the crowd that was in attendance.
Though a year
already, it seems just like yesterday. As another episode comes up today with
viewing centers across the globe. It’s surely a place to be because amongst
other things, experiencing the Experience leaves you experienced!
-‘Bayor | More Resources | Connect with Bayor