‘The Experience’ Marks 20 Years as Lagos Prepares for Massive All-Night Worship Gathering

Lagos is gearing up for one of its biggest annual gatherings as The Experience, House on the Rock’s flagship worship concert, returns for its milestone 20th edition on Friday, December 5. The all-night event is expected to pull hundreds of thousands of worshippers to Tafawa Balewa Square.

Founded by the Metropolitan and Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, the concert has evolved from a local worship meeting in 2006 into one of the world’s most attended gospel music events. It now draws participants from across Nigeria and from international Christian communities who travel to Lagos each year for the spiritual spectacle.

This year’s theme, “Jesus United,” brings together an impressive roster of celebrated gospel artistes. Among those headlining are Mercy Chinwo, Dunsin Oyekan, Sinach, Frank Edwards, Travis Greene, Chevelle Franklyn, and Chandler Moore. They will be joined by Onos Ariyo, Naomi Raine, Mr M & Revelation, Moses Bliss, Mike Aremu, and the Lagos Metropolitan Gospel Choir.

The 20th edition will also welcome first-time ministers such as Tolu Odukoya and Gaise Baba, adding fresh expressions of worship to the night.

Despite its global reputation and massive scale, The Experience remains free and open to all. The concert will kick off at 7 p.m. and is expected to run into the early hours of Saturday, in line with its long-standing tradition.

Organisers say the theme underscores a call for togetherness at a time when Nigeria, and the world, faces deep social and economic divisions. The event aims to show how collective worship can inspire unity, bridge communities, and renew hope.

Over the years, The Experience has welcomed dignitaries, diplomats, business leaders, and clergy. Yet, its host church maintains that the heart of the gathering has never been prestige, but shared worship and the uplifting of faith.

Now marking two decades, the event has become woven into Lagos’ cultural identity. Each December, the city transforms into a centre of praise as music, prayer, and celebration spill far beyond Tafawa Balewa Square long after the stage lights fade.