The Experience unveils artistes for 2026 edition

Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, Travis Greene, and IB Quake are among the gospel artistes scheduled to perform at the 21st edition of The Experience, an annual gospel music concert to be held in Lagos on 4 December.

The event, convened by Pastor Paul Adefarasin, Metropolitan of House on the Rock, will take place at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), with Onikan Stadium designated as an additional overflow venue to accommodate worshippers.

Organisers said the concert, themed ‘Jesus, The Rock’, will begin at 7 p.m. and run until dawn. Admission is free, while audiences outside Lagos and worldwide can join through a live online broadcast.

Other Nigerian gospel artistes on the line-up include Tim Godfrey, Onos Ariyo, Moses Bliss, Tolu Odukoya, Bidemi Olaoba, Kaestrings, Dunsin Oyekan, Sunmisola Agbebi, Mr M and Revelation, Blessing Lopez, Emma OMG, and Eno Michael.

International performers include Sonnie Badu and Joe Mettle from Ghana, Oncemore Six from Zimbabwe, and Israel Houghton and Travis Greene from the United States. The Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir will also feature at the concert.

Theme

According to the organisers, this year’s theme draws inspiration from Pastor Adefarasin’s teaching, The Mountain of the Lord’s House.

The teaching calls on the church to move beyond gathering for worship services to building enduring institutions capable of shaping nations, influencing economies and impacting future generations.

The organisers said the theme reflects the need for a firm foundation amid global economic uncertainty, shifting currencies and other challenges.

They added that the gathering would bring together worshippers from different denominations, nationalities and cultural backgrounds, united by their Christian faith.

21 Years of ‘The Experience’

Now in its 21st edition, The Experience has grown into one of Nigeria’s major annual gospel music gatherings, attracting worshippers from across the country and beyond.

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Beyond its religious significance, the concert has also boosted economic activity in Lagos, particularly in the hospitality, tourism, and local business sectors, while providing an international platform for Nigerian gospel music. Coca-Cola is listed as the official soft drink sponsor of this year’s edition.

Speaking on the significance of the event, pastor Adefarasin said its success should not be measured solely by attendance, musical performances or international reach.

“The crowds, the music, commerce, and the international reach are the fruit, not the root. For 21 editions, the foundation has remained the same: Jesus,” he said.

The organisers also said that the concert would feature worship in several Nigerian languages, including Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Urhobo, and Efik, alongside English.