News Room By Nuel Umahi
When The Grace Experience first began in 2018, it was just a gathering—a humble gospel music concert in Jos, Plateau State, central Nigeria, meant to celebrate the presence of God through worship, word, and testimony. Today, it’s become something of a pilgrimage. Each year, thousands gather, not just for the music, but for what it does to the heart.
Conveyed yearly by Ejidike Ugochukwu also known as Minstrel Jid, a passionate worship leader and minister based in Jos, the simple yet passionate vision of The Grace Experience is to create an atmosphere where nations will embrace the saving grace of Jesus, the outpouring of his love and experience a change in their personal, spiritual and work-life.
The inspiration came during a personal retreat in 2017. Minstrel Jid had been burdened by the growing need for authentic worship experiences—beyond the lights, the stage, and the usual church programs. He wanted something that felt pure, like the upper room. Something that invited people not just to sing, but to surrender.
That burden birthed The Grace Experience—a night of worship, word, and testimony that started small but carried deep spiritual weight. Over the years, it has grown into an annual gathering that draws people from all walks of life, seeking one thing: to touch grace and be touched by it.
This year, The Grace Experience returned with the theme Mercy—a powerful continuation of last year’s focus on Grace. Held at the iconic Polo Field on April 6th, the 2025 edition brought together believers, seekers, and lovers of gospel music under one roof for what many have described as a “spiritual awakening.”
And I was there.
No Frills, Just Faith
From the very first note, it was clear that this wasn’t another concert for the bag—it was an encounter. The evening opened with Kennedy C, whose calm authority on stage set the tone for the night. His opening song, “Take the Stage Lord and Have Your Way,” seemed to echo through every heart in the room.
Then came Tapshak, an artist and violinist whose rise in the gospel scene has been nothing short of miraculous. His performance was a blend of local rhythms and raw worship, and when he sang “Zaki Yahuza,” the crowd didn’t just respond—they surrendered.
“I’ve never cried this much in a concert,” said Blessing Nyam, a first-time attendee. “But it wasn’t sadness. It felt like something was being lifted off me.”
Godstime Okorie followed with a stirring medley that turned the open field into a house of prayer. His transitions were seamless, moving from deep intercession to high praise without losing the emotional thread. When he shared his brief testimony about battling depression and finding strength in God’s mercy, the hall went silent, reverent.
Festizie brought an entirely different energy—bright, youthful, and celebratory. “Mercy isn’t just quiet reflection,” he said between songs. “It’s also a joy that we’re not where we used to be.” His set included his now-famous track “Miracle No Dey Tire Jesus,” and by the end, even the ushers were dancing.
Minstrel Jid, the convener, known for his deep, lyrical worship, was the spiritual compass of the evening. His voice carried a weight that couldn’t be explained, only experienced. His rendition of “Eze’Mo” was hauntingly beautiful, and at several points, he stepped back and let the crowd lead the song. It was that kind of night.
The final act, Judikay, brought the house down with her blend of fervent prayer and melodic grace. Her live version of “Capable God” had the entire crowd on its feet, arms stretched out as if reaching for something eternal. And maybe, in those moments, we were.
There was a noticeable absence this year. Panam Percy Paul, a beloved staple of the Jos gospel music scene, was unable to attend. “We missed him, no doubt,” said one of the event coordinators, speaking off-record. “But we understood. His legacy is everywhere in this city—we carry it forward.”
And they did.
A Space for Testimony
In between performances, pastors and ministers shared short exhortations and testimonies. Pastor Kola Ojo, Senior Pastor of the New Covenant Church, Jos, spoke on Mercy being the character of God. He emphasized that it is an extension of kindness to us.
“Mercy is the pure character of God. He always extends to us kindness instead of what we deserve because that is who he is”, Pastor Ojo said.
In corroboration, Pastor Benson Ogbe, the Senior Pastor of the House of Hope International Church, said that Mercy gives us things we don’t deserve.
“Mercy gives us things we don’t deserve. It speaks over everything around us”, he said.
What made The Grace Experience 2025 unforgettable wasn’t just the music—it was the atmosphere. The lighting was deliberately soft, almost cinematic, allowing the audience to focus. The sound was clean and immersive, allowing no distraction between message and heart. Everything—from visuals to stage movement—was intentional.
As I stood in the back of Polo Field toward the end, watching people still lost in worship, one thought came clearly: this was what mercy looked like when it came in sound and song.
Mercy isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it hums in the background, whispering, “I still see you.” That’s what this night was. A reminder that even in the noise of life, Mercy sings over us.
