Some of the biggest names in gospel music are set to gather in Lagos this Friday for the 2025 edition of Unusual PraiseUnusual Praise, one of the largest Catholic praise concerts in Africa.
The annual event, hosted by the Catholic Church of Divine Mercy, Lekki, will hold at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) and is themed “Bless the Lord, O My Soul.”
This year’s line-up features leading Nigerian and international gospel ministers, including Moses BlissMoses Bliss, Sunmisola Okeleye, Mr M & Revelation, BJ Sax, Chioma Jesus, Bidemi Olaoba, Chinyere Udoma and Ada Zion.
Also expected are global gospel icons such as Don Moen, Ron Kenoly, Sinach, Nicole C. Mullen, Olumide Dada, Dunsin Oyekan, Mahalia, Mercy Chinwo, Sr. Agatha Ozah, Joe Praize, Sir Jude Nnam and several other widely recognised ministers.
Speaking during a media parley ahead of the concert, the Convener, Monsignor Pascal Nwaezeapu, said Unusual Praise remains a platform dedicated fully to worship and gratitude.
He explained that the concert is built on the understanding that “when praises go up, blessings come down,” adding that attendees should come with open hearts, ready to receive from God.
He noted that the 2025 edition promises to be bigger, more spirit-filled and more impactful than previous years. According to him, the programme has grown rapidly over the years and is now regarded as the biggest praise concert within the Catholic community in Africa.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr Ikem Umezuoke, also said this year’s concert will be “an incredible night of glorious praise and worship,” with a blend of established and upcoming Catholic music ministers. He assured that the experience will be refreshing and soul-lifting for everyone present.
“Unusual Praise promises an unforgettable spiritual connection and, most importantly, a refreshing and life-changing moment in the presence of God. It is a night you cannot afford to miss,” he said.
Umezuoke explained that the concert is guided by two major goals, which are evangelisation and empowerment.
While the event seeks to win souls for Christ through praise and worship, it also supports economic empowerment through the Unusual Entrepreneurs programme.
The initiative, created from the vision of Unusual Praise, provides seed funding and mentorship opportunities for people who want to start or expand small businesses. Since its launch, it has supported more than 610 beneficiaries with funds, training and guidance from industry experts.
The concert will begin at 5 pm on Friday and will run all night. It will conclude with Holy Mass at daybreak. Organisers say thousands of worshippers from within and outside Lagos are expected to attend.
BJ Sax, one of the ministers scheduled to perform, said the concert will truly live up to its name. According to him, it will be “a night of unusual praise,” and an opportunity for Christians to worship God in a unique and joyful way.
