Marvin Winans Jr ministers to the crowd in song at the Churches Cooperative Credit Union FYMI '09 gospel concert held on Sunday at the Cable and Wireless Golf Academy. - Contributed
There was really nothing special about Fymi 2009. The artistes delivered but the crowd lacked both numbers and energy.
Held under the patronage of Governor-General Patrick Allen, Fymi 2009, with the theme 'Fulfil Your Mandate in 2009', was supposed to be one of the biggest and best gospel concerts of the summer.
Staged by Inspired 2 Praise Youth Ministries and headline sponsor Churches Cooperative Credit Union, the concert held on Sunday at the Cable and Wireless Golf Academy had all the big names in local gospel, topped off by international sensation Marvin Winans Jr.
Security was tight, food available, the venue ideal, but something was missing.
When The Gleaner arrived at the venue, the concert should have been in full gear. Onstage Kevin Downswell ministered through music, backed by On The Shout Band.
Beyond a line of vendors, the mixed audience for the most part stood in small groups. A few persons sat on chairs but others found the grass more comfortable. As the concert progressed, young people waved rags and danced to a few songs.
The concert only climaxed when DJ Nicholas came onstage. Without prodding, many persons gathered at the front of the stage dancing, singing and waving with the artiste. Track after track, the audience kept pace with Nicholas as he did One Less, Trouble, God Man and Barrier. He then gave his testimony and encouraged the Christians to hold on.
Many thought Judith Gayle would have joined DJ Nicholas to perform their duet, but it was time for Marvin Winans Jr. The audience applauded and responded to his prodding but that was all he could manage. It seemed that only a handful of persons were familiar with and appreciated the artiste's set, which included Believe, Come To Me, Put Your Love On Me and You Never Let Me Down.
When Gayle came onstage, the audience got another adrenaline rush but some persons had already left. As always, the 'Mad Woman of Gospel' delivered with Don't Tear Me Down, Bigger God, Designed to Worship, and the song everybody had been waiting for, Things Already Betta.
The concert ended with Olesia Wedderburn-Christe's thanks to the sponsors.