Organisers of the 39th annual gospel musical showcase Genesis Praise Fest are promising patrons a double serving of praise and worship at the staging of two events which are scheduled for December 31 at Montego Bay Community College in St James and January 1 at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in the Corporate Area.

The line-up for both events will feature local and overseas-based gospel acts, all with the mandate to administer worship and create a space for joy, peace, and love.

“You can expect an atmosphere filled with praise, worship, and high energy from start to finish. We are introducing our newest programme called Audience of One, where young people from different churches come together in worship and praise. This segment will feature young worship leaders expressing themselves…” Kemar Guyah, event coordinator, told the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday.

Said Guyah: “Over the years, we look at ways to make Genesis appealing to our audience, we cater for everyone, where we ensure we have a balanced line-up each year. We feature new and [up-and-coming] gospel artistes, both local and international, while leaving our patrons on a musical high…”

He went on tell the Observer that feedback from the audience and partners about their experiences remain among the highlights of the annual event.

Genesis Praise Fest attracts a mixed demographic including children, teenagers, young adults, professionals, and mature people.

“Genesis Praise Fest has impacted many lives through the ministry of singing, worship, praise, and testimony shared by our ministers when they take the stage. We give young ministers the opportunity to share on the Genesis platform and that impacts their ministry in a positive way,” Guyah shared.

The Empowering Emerging Artistes (Limelight) showcase, which is included in the Corporate Area staging of Genesis Praise Fest, will feature the CAG Family, Da Levite, Shaundre, Khaanah Stone, Howard, Treze Gaye, Pazzion, and Minister D Brown.

The headliners include veteran gospel singer Sister Pat, who is best known for hits like Rock My Soul and The Lord is My Shepherd; Ryan Mark; DJ Nicholas; Kevin Downswell; Blessed Messenger from Trinidad; Goddy Goddy; Johnmark Wiggan; Prince Saj; Rian Davis; Audia Spencer Brown; and Genesis Praise Squad.

The Montego Bay line-up will comprise headliners Jai Kingston and Petra-Kaye, DJ Chinny, and Digicel Rising Stars 2023 winner Remone Watson.

Genesis Praise Fest is organised by Jamaica Youth for Christ (JYFC). Part proceeds from Genesis Praise Fest, goes towards the assistance of the organisation’s outreach programmes including their back-to-school treat and Stay-in-School initiative.

Khaanah Stone gives up a spirited performance at the launch of Genesis Praise Fest.

GUYAH… you can expect an atmosphere filled with praise, worship, and high energy from start to finish.

Sterling Gospel Music Award winner (Breakout Sensation of the Year) Audia Spencer Brown.

Recording artiste Treze Gaye Smith performs at the launch of Genesis Praise Fest.