One of the most celebrated church events in Nairobi, Jesus Night, returns tonight after several years. It will be held at Charter Hall starting at 6 p.m.
Organised by the National Christian Youth Network, the all-night extravaganza will feature celebrated artistes and preachers. It is the coming together of young people from all walks of life, with highlights including music, dance, and preaching.
“We are excited that this big event, probably the biggest Christian night mostly driven by the youth, is back at a time when Gen Z is the talk of town. We are looking forward to having this generation come together as we celebrate their achievements and the great things God is doing with the generation,” says Rev. Mugambi Muku, one of the key organisers.
“Jesus Night got disrupted by COVID-19, and since then, we haven’t had as many gospel concerts or events that bring the youth together in the manner Jesus Night used to do,” says Muku.
Among those participating are Pitson, Isaac Kahura, Eryqo, Precious Gitonga, Doris K, TR Jacobs, and Ken the DJ. Others are MC Price, Ringtone, and Praise Makena.
The event kicks off a busy month and season of gospel concerts. Gospel group Maverick City Music and award-winning gospel artist Kirk Franklin will be in Kenya in two weeks as part of their Kingdom World Tour covering Africa, Europe, and Asia.
Kicking off in Africa, the tour is slated for nine cities: Cape Town, Johannesburg, Lilongwe, Lusaka, Dar Es Salaam, Kampala, Nairobi, and Mombasa between August 8 and August 18.
Tickets range from as low as $20 for pre-sale regular to $100 for Meet and Greet.
A gospel collective, Maverick City Music was launched in 2018 in Atlanta, US, by songwriters Tony Brown and Jonathan Jay.
It has since grown into a Grammy award-winning gospel group with more than 10 albums and 100 songs. Famous singers who have worked with and been part of Maverick City include Chandler Moore, Naomie Raine, Tasha Cobbs, Aaron Moses, among others.
Their most loved songs in Kenya include "Jireh," "Kingdom," and "Promises."
More recently, the group, which consists of different artists, has collaborated with Zimbabwean gospel singer Annatoria to release an afrobeat version of their song "In The Room."
Israel Mbonyicyambu, a leading gospel singer from Rwanda, is also expected in the country this month.