To say that the group of Jamaican gospel singers who performed at the “Kingdom Rhythm: A Night of Praise” concert held at Rehoboth Open Bible Church, 888 East 56th Street, on Friday, August 22nd, “brought the house down” would be quite an understatement.
The audience was hooked from the moment the show began with legendary solo artist, Robert Bailey, who delivered hits like “Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus,” “I Will Lift Up Mine Eyes” and especially “After All.” The crowd was on their feet; their hands were in the air and their voices reverberated in a united chorus throughout the packed sanctuary, providing the perfect segue to the next performer.
“Praise Xpressed,” a high-energy praise and worship team who expressed their belief that “Worship unites all” and their presentation achieved just that. The group encouraged the already-pumped audience to continue to dance and sing along with them as they presented a series of spiritual songs, which included a riveting performance of “I Know Where I Am Going.”
The soul-stirring renditions by Minister Meekie Melody, which followed, added to the ambiance of praise and worship that enveloped the room. The former reggae and dancehall artist who adopted the moniker, “manofGod,” even credited one of the gospel songs he performed — “I’m So Glad That Jesus Knows” — with him meeting his wife.
And if you think that fans were exhausted by the time multi-award gospel recording artist and preacher, Minister Omari, got on stage hours after the 7:30 p.m. start, think again. Following a 15-minute intermission, there were personal greetings from host pastors, Reverend Leroy and Dalton Spencer, as well as a raffle drawing. Fans appeared eager to meet the famed singer who did not disappoint with his performance of “Jehovah Guide Me” and other melodies.
But the most electrifying moment came when internationally acclaimed artist, Papa San, graced the stage as part of his 2025 World Tour. Fans from every quadrant within the sanctuary converged as close as they could, near the stage, Jamaican national flag in hand, singing along to hits like “Hail Him Up,” “Miracle Working God” and “Step Pon Di Enemy.”
The “Night of Praise” reached a crescendo when the renowned gospel reggae icon hopped off the stage into the midst of the flag-wavers and performed some of his best moves.
They were all “grooving” and didn’t stop moving until the very end — which was around midnight. The concert, predicted to “Shake the Heavens and stir every soul in attendance,” was emceed by Marlon Samuels and appeared to have met the expectations of its promoters. It closed with an altar call which was answered by many. Rev. Spencer welcomed the new converts with a special prayer of blessing and thanksgiving.
The event was sponsored by Dennis Shipping, JN Money Services (USA) Inc., ASF Motor Corporation and Campbell Lewis Communications Inc. Additional support was provided by Sea Kings Seafood Inc., Level Up Salon, Avenue D Cellular and Kurtis Tucker.
“Kingdom Rhythm” was indeed an unforgettable evening of worship, rhythm and divine praise.
