Adom Praiz was powerful...full of blessings
What a night Adom Praiz 2010 was! Forget that it was a midweek, apparently none of the thousands of patrons who thronged the Dome of the Accra International Conference Centre for the soul-refilling night encounter was bothered, for when the event finally ended, it was all applause and wild cheers for a wonderful event.
And many were those asking for more - how were they to depart the ever powerful presence of God, having come so close courtesy the songs ministration of a galaxy of powerful musicians, led by the charming voice and lyrics of Cece Winans, the global icon of praise songs.
The expectations had been rather high, given that an earlier date for the event fell through, and a huge doubt had hung over organisers, Adom FM's ability to pull this through, a challenge made more daunting by the mid-week fixing. In the end the musicians themselves joined in as their other colleagues performed on stage, and everyone stayed till the very last minute of the night.
It was the second edition of Adom Praiz and for an event with such an humble beginning; it was beyond measure to see the gospel concert brought many into the shelter of the Almighty, the many who have nothing but to seek the face of their maker and also to thank him for his countless blessings.
From the word go, the night started off on a party note with local giants Christina Love, Ernest Opoku, Florence Obinim, Soul Winners, No Tribe, Cecilia Marfo, DSP Kofi Sarpong, Willie and Mike, Gifty Osei and Bernice Offei dishing out powerful 'sermons' of their own. It was beyond words what atmosphere they created.
Here's the breakdown: Gospel duo, Willie and Mike got the party started followed by Bernice Offei, DSP Kofi Sarpong and Ernest Opoku all got the worshippers at the Dome on their feet dancing, praising and worshipping God.
The now 'mid-week church service' was on fire as Christina Love, Florence Obinim, Soul Winners, No Tribe, Cecilia Marfo and Bernice Offei took turns to literally lift patrons onto their feet dancing their joys away.
Not exactly a dance competition, none wanted to be outdone, and even for those who sat at the front rows and needed to sit to allow patrons in the back seats have a good view of the unfolding night, they still managed to shake it off in their seats, and of course, those who found it too inviting to resist jumped up, and gave it their all.
Every step of the concert and performances was laced with manifestations of the word and strong biblical preachings; the spirit of the most high was in attendance.
After the strong, unforgettable performances from the local 'ministers', it was time for the 'woman of the night' to also make her presence felt.
With visible evidence that her coming was highly awaited, the Dome was instantly thrown into a frenzy with virtually everyone in attendance beyond themselves with excitement.
Loud cheers greeted the gospel queen, Cece Winans, and from her instantaneous reaction, she was just spellbound; she was equally excited to be in Ghana for the first time.
After a few pleasantries and coaching of how to pronounce the name of Ghana's capital, Accra, the 'music machine' was ready for action, taking her expectant Ghanaian crowd into the music life of the voice they have heard and admired for a long time.
”Adom FM mo ye bue...Moye toff”, a woman shouted to tell of her happiness for a dream come true. Yes! she was seeing her icon for the first time and she owed that to Adom FM. It was just a beautiful sight to behold...Cece Winans was live in concert. "Live and coloured."
Cece Winans took the stage and dished out hits songs such as Hallelujah Praise, Mercy Say No, He's Wonder, Alabaster Box and Waging War as the audience sang her songs every step of the way. She must have been enchanted, for on several occasions, she left the singing for patrons, extended her mic towards them, and stood in awe.
Cece Winans was not only the singer of the 'word', she was also a preacher of it as each song of hers was accompanied by a beautiful massage of the gospel.
After several minutes of life encouraging and spirit filling performances, patrons, including former President Jerry Rawlings, VRA Chief Executive Officer Kweku Andoh Awortwi, Mr. Charles Cofie of Unilever, gospel artistes Danny Nettey and Mary Ghansah, hip life artiste Nana Boroo were all clapping in agreement that Adom Praiz lived up to expectation.
“It was a wonderful show...all the artistes were splendid especially Cece Winans. Adom FM has done a great job. I couldn't have missed this for anything,” a satisfied fan told Myjoyonline.com after the concert.
Read this page for more stories from Adom Praiz 2010. There are more testimonies.
Story by Ernest Dela Aglanu/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana