By Enatu Steven
The atmosphere at PAG Main Church in Agip on December 8th, 2024, was electric as hundreds gathered for the highly anticipated launch of the “I Choose” Gospel Album. The evening became a spiritual revival, filled with soul-stirring performances that had the crowd clapping, singing, and worshiping with abandon. It was a night where gospel music came alive, delivered by an array of talented Christian artists, each sharing their unique musical gift and igniting hearts with messages of hope, faith, and joy.
The event began with palpable anticipation as the opening acts took to the stage. Mary Mwanika set the tone with her radiant passion for Christ, leading the congregation in worship that echoed through the church. Her vibrant performance brought the audience into an impromptu chorus of praise, drawing them into a deeply worshipful experience.
Angiro Francis Olope Iboyan followed, captivating the crowd with his folk-style gospel songs that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of everyday Christian life. His gentle melodies and heartfelt lyrics resonated with the audience, creating a shared sense of connection and faith.
The highlight of the evening was the guest of honor, Dr. Lydia Namono, who took the stage with unmatched grace and power. Dressed elegantly for the occasion, she performed tracks from her new album, including “Adonai” and the reggae-inspired “Praise Him.” Her stunning vocal delivery, coupled with heartfelt lyrics of hope and worship, brought the audience to their feet. Produced by Simon Jackson of Canan Studio, her music was a testimony of unwavering faith, making the night an unforgettable celebration.
A touching moment followed as Lydia’s family her husband, Okitoi, and their four children joined her on stage. Their presence added a layer of warmth and unity to the event, reflecting the importance of family in her spiritual and musical journey.
Simon Jackson, affectionately known as “The Cowboy,” delivered a deeply moving performance of his iconic gospel hits like “Dry Winds” and “Humble Me Oh Father.” The audience joined him in singing every word, creating a powerful atmosphere of nostalgia and collective worship.
Another standout was Betty Victorious Nekesa, a prophet, gospel singer, and medical doctor from Mbale. Her dynamic performances of “Jesus Loves You” and “Jesus Has Done It” inspired the audience to rejoice in the message of God’s love and grace.
Later in the evening, Laticia Namakula from Kampala captivated the crowd with her powerful song “Jehovah You Are Worthy of All My Praise.” Her stirring performance further elevated the energy of the congregation, uniting everyone in a shared moment of worship.
The grand finale came with Sally Wisdom, a Kenyan gospel artist, whose performance of “Shangilia Yesu” ended the night on a high note. With her infectious energy and live instrumentation, she brought the audience to their feet, dancing and praising in joyful celebration.
By the time the evening concluded, Lydia Namono’s “I Choose” album was officially launched last year December, featuring eight inspirational tracks now available on Lydia’s Worship YouTube channel. Each song is filled with themes of hope, praise, and worship.