Multicultural concert on tour

THE Afro-Irish gospel music concert, which first started in Ennis in 2008, is this year set to go on tour. However, while the multi-cultural musical extravaganza is visiting a number of other venues in the coming months, the tour will begin in its hometown.
The tour will start in Glór on Saturday, April 7, before heading to Galway for April 21 and Limerick for May 5.
According to Rev Chinwe Obadeyi, founder of the annual event, “The atmosphere in Ennis, especially around the Elevation Business Park on the Clonroad where Foundation Ministries are based, is already showing lots of excitement and expectation that something is about to happen. Rehearsals for people of all ages and race is going on right now.”
It was in early 2005 when Rev Chinwe launched her Beyond The Sky CD, that she got the idea for the Afro-Irish gospel concert along with a friendship centre to bring hope and friendship to the community of Ennis and Ireland at large after “receiving a word from God,” she says. In 2008, the first concert was held in Glór, while in 2011 the friendship centre began in Foundation Ministries. “Both projects have been successful,” said Rev Chinwe.
As well as Glór, the other venues for the tour will be the Radisson Blu hotel in Galway and Limerick Institute of Technology.
”Glór Theatre has hosted the event since its inception in 2008 and is ready for the big concert, with only just the finishing touches being put in place by experts in various fields,” Rev Chinwe said.
“The Afro-Irish concert enjoys the endorsement and support of frontline churches and Christian organisations in Ireland and abroad, with the aim of bringing people from all tribes and race of the world under one atmosphere in praise and worship to God.”
Artists billed to feature at this year’s concert are Apostle Chinwe and Sarah’s Daughters, Foundation Ministries Choir, Ennis Gospel Choir, Micheal Hennesy Girls Band, youth and children’s group, Mizz Camara, Min Deby, Bro Ernest  Debsandy, Cill, Jemmy and Manni, Ronnie and Juliet, Surtis Oko and Kate Njoku.
The annual Ennis concert is scheduled to start at 6pm and run until 9pm. “This enthralling and uplifting concert is guaranteed to keep your toes tapping, your hands clapping, your lips singing and your body moving. There will be a lot of prizes to be won,” Rev Chinwe said.
Clare TD Pat Breen is expected to be the special guest.
Tickets are available from Glór for the Ennis event, while for concerts outside Ennis, tickets can be purchased from Foundation Ministries, Limerick 087 3662468 and Galway 087 6322429.
“We are looking forward to having the young and old, Irish and non-Irish there for Clare’s biggest gospel concert,” concluded Rev Chinwe.