It is not in doubt that The Experience is recognized as one of Africa’s largest musical events (secular entertainment inclusive).
When it comes to periodic events in the African gospel music scene, there are no arguments about its top spot. But how does The Experience measure up against gospel music concerts and performance events in Europe, the U.S.A. and other parts of the world?
Is The Experience the biggest (or largest) gospel music concert in the world? Perhaps it takes more than a YES or NO to find out.
First off—
What is The Experience?
The Experience is an award-winning annual gospel music concert held in Lagos, Nigeria. It began in December 2006, and has since attracted ministers of the gospel, musicians, worshippers and key public figures from all continents of the world across 16 editions.
Host(s): Pastors Paul and Ifeanyi Adefarasin, Senior Pastors and Founders, House on the Rock Church
Venue: Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island, Nigeria
Maiden Edition: 2006
Date: Flexible, end-of-year
Duration: All-night
Audience Capacity: 700, 000 +
Key Artist Features: Don Moen, Travis Greene, Sinach, Hillsong United, Kirk Franklin, Tasha Cobbs, Donnie McClurkin, Cece Winans, William McDowell, Deitrick Haddon, Maverick City, Matt Redman, The Planetshakers, Nathaniel Bassey, Sonnie Badu, Franks Edwards, Mercy Chinwo, Chioma Jesus and Eben.
Is The Experience the Number 1 Gospel Music Event on earth?
Travis Greene (and a host of others) says so. He calls the gathering of worshippers “the largest Christian concert in the world.”
And if seating capacity, virtual join-ins, quality lineup of music artists, ministers and venue grandeur make up the criteria for judging, The Experience is rightly called the biggest Christian music concert in the world.
Physical and virtual participation in the event now goes well above a million, most editions average 700, 000 attendees over a 14.5-hectare (35.8 acres) venue and boasts of some of the most electrifying gospel music talents in the world.