At the recent Festival of Praise 2025 in Manchester, amidst performances by acclaimed gospel artists like Dunsin Oyekan, Sinach, Tope Alabi, and Mercy Chinwo, one name stood out for elevating the musical experience with quiet brilliance. Gabriel Osamudiamen, accompanying these luminaries on guitar, delivered a performance that was subtle yet deeply impactful—an embodiment of technical mastery, emotional depth, and artistic maturity far beyond his years.
From the moment Gabriel took his place on stage, it was clear his presence was purposeful. His opening falsetto chords during Sinach’s moving rendition of “Way Maker” were soft, deliberate, and instantly evocative, demonstrating a keen sensitivity to musical storytelling. Rather than overshadow the lead vocalists, his strings wove a harmonic tapestry—an understated conversation that enriched the main melodies.
Gabriel’s technique was impeccable. His fingerwork—particularly during Mercy Chinwo’s high-energy segment—showcased nimble precision and fluidity. In sync with the band’s dynamic rhythm, he executed clean arpeggios and tasteful chord voicings that supported Chinwo’s soaring vocals without disrupting the momentum. On pieces like Tope Alabi’s “Olorun Mimo,” his choice of open voicings and warm, resonant tones underscored the song’s sacred atmosphere, providing both subtlety and soul.
What truly impressed was Gabriel’s musical discretion. He understood the responsibility of accompaniment—not to dazzle, but to enhance. During Dunsin Oyekan’s spiritually charged set, Gabriel’s guitar served as an emotional anchor: each sustained note carried a devotional intensity, evoking prayerfulness that complemented Oyekan’s prophetic delivery.
The highlight came late in the evening, during a collective performance segment, when Gabriel was invited to step into a brief solo spotlight. From clean intonation to expressive phrasing, he embraced the moment with confidence. The audience responded with audible warmth—a testament to his compelling tone and stage presence.
In a festival filled with vocal powerhouses, Gabriel Osamudiamen contributed something essential and rare: a musician’s heart coupled with technical sophistication. His performance was a masterclass in supporting artistry—he didn’t just play notes, he enhanced spiritual experience. For the global talent endorsement he seeks, Gabriel’s Festival of Praise appearance in Manchester is a powerful testament to his artistry. He is not merely a session musician but a collaborator whose artistry deepens the impact of the music—and that, above all, marks global potential.
