Following the release of his previous album ‘God of Miracles’ in 2018, over the years, Joe Mettle has consistently produced heart-warming worship melodies, becoming one of the most recognized gospel musicians of our time. I was privileged enough to attend his worship concert, Praiz Reloaded and it’s safe to say that his fans were completely blown away. Anybody who avidly listens to Gospel music will be aware of Joe Mettle’s incredible material. However, experiencing it live experiencing it live was absolutely surreal.
It was a night of bliss and an atmosphere of worship as 2017 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards(VGMA’s) artiste of the artist winner – Joe Mettle hosted led ‘saints and sinners’ at the 2019 edition of his annual Gospel musical concert, Praise Reloaded concert which was themed ‘Wind of Revival’, a live DVD album recording.
Having won couple of awards and prominent recognition such as the Artiste of Excellence (African Gospel Music and Media Awards – UK), and Man of the Year – Entertainment (Exclusive Men of the Year Awards) etc, the “My Everything” hit maker gathered thousands of eager worshippers at the at the Perez Chapel International, Perez Dome, Dzorwulu-Accra in a grand style for this memorable live recording.
The gospel sensation, as expected, thrilled patrons at the concert with a great time of worship and praise filled with miracles and testimonies of God’s goodness. ‘Praiz Reloaded’, which is in its 8th consecutive year attracted an estimated 3,000 audiences from the West African sub-region, USA, Canada, UK and across the world. The featured live stage performances from other artistes such as Cwesi Oteng (Ghana), KODA(Ghana), Carl Clottey(Ghana), Ceccy Twum (Ghana), Luigi Maclean (Ghana), MOG (Ghana)and Jonathan Nelson (U.S.A).
It was a more than three-hour event, beginning with MOG Music, creating an atmosphere full of worship with hit single ”Be Lifted”, followed by the hit-making Hip Pop-gospel artiste, Cwesi Oteng, who performed most of his hit songs, including ‘God Dey Bless Me’, Ceccy Twum, has built a small gospel empire and helped the music shift over to something more worship fused with Highlife, both in the sound of her rhythm section sartorial fabulousness. But she displays one crucial element that most performer lacks: a performance ethic.
KODA was awesome as he stormed the atmosphere with great heavenly tunes, including, ‘Nkwabodo’, ‘Nsempii’ and ‘Hosana’ which was heavily sang by patrons at the events. These amazing Ministers of the word of God were backed by sensational music band known as, Praise Levites(PL) Crew, nearly 50 strong, has an overwhelming power, both in sound and vision: beyond the stirring singing, each member, it seems, finds personal body language for the stage. The band knows how to groove on their various instruments and their dexterity is never in question whenever they strike.
The opening acts’ collation of praise and worship records instantly created a calm and soothing atmosphere. It was evident that the majority of attendees had an expectant heart, as they longed for God’s presence.
At approximately 6 PM, Minister Joe Mettle humbly walked on to the stage opening up with Owanwani – his infamous single. Many of the patrons were full of joy as they danced and cheered, however, the ‘hype’ soon died down as they delved into a time of pure worship. He performed some of the public domain songs such as ‘Ogya’, ‘Turning Around’, and other worship inclind tunes, within minutes, many of they patrons fell to their knees in awe of God. The simplicity of his songs as well as his powerful vocals made it easy for the crowd to feel God’s presence.
American Gospel leader, Jonathan Nelson showcased the true meaning of “Artistry prowess as he joined Joe Mettle on stage to kindle the flames lit by opening acts and the latter. Joe Mettle and Jonathan Nelson were both well received. Everyone worked in unison showing support for each other.
Jonathan Nelson performed ‘I Believe’, ‘Behold He Comes’, ‘Our Great is Our God’, ‘Because He Lives’, Bread of Heaven’, ‘I Need Thee Every Hour’ ‘Baba O’ with stronger definition than Mr. Mettle, and the band — keyboards, drummer, organist, — churned behind him like a mighty funk orchestra.
The annual Praize Reloaded Concert is praising God in spite of pain, thanking God during trials, trusting Him when tempted, surrendering when suffering and loving Him through all that life may bring. It features some of the best-known musical talents in recent time. The Event, which debuted in October 2012 is rapidly gaining momentum at its second outing and this year is shall definitely be bigger. People walked away encouraged, uplifted and empowered. Perfecting Faith Church was filled to capacity and no one left disappointed; the evening brought joy, laughter and tears.
The year 2019 has so far been a great one with regards to rise of gospel music in Ghana coupled with the stirring up of passion in most young ministers as well to work harder. As we half the year 2019, it’s prudent for us to look back and remind ourselves of some of the awesome moments we have enjoyed in the gospel fraternity in at the beginning of the year.
