Residents and passers-by at World Bank, Owerri Municipal Council, were thrown into joy and excitement on Thursday, February 15th as Vicliseo Concept Entertainment Ltd; a Gospel music outfit, charged the entire atmosphere with street praise, the first of its kind in the area. The event which attracted a good number of Gospel artistes, took place along the popular World Bank- Control Road, Owerri.
The street praise came at the critical time in the Nigeria's history when socio-economic and security challenges are creating uncertainties as well as forcing Nigerians into abject poverty, sadness, depression and unpredictable behaviours. The ugly situation had also forced many Nigerians to seek refuge overseas, with no solution at sight, except to seek for God's intervention which praises facilitate. However, the beautiful outcome of the event was that joy overwhelmed the people of the area who were seen dancing away their worries.
With the Biblical disclosure that God inhabits the praises of His children, as well as the injunction for people to praise God in all situations, the World Bank Street Praise had various Gospel artistes in attendance demonstrating their God-given talents in wonderful dimensions. The included: JohnBoss Music, Chidex Singz,
Chidex Obani, Emma NwaGod
Apostle, Tehilla Emmanuel and the host of other young talents who have dedicated their lives to the service of God.
Addressing newsmen on his motivation for the street praise, the Director of Vicliseo Concept Entertainment Ltd, Engr. Nwogu Vicmartins Chimezie, said that he was driven by passion for music and the things of God. "I have this passion from childhood. I grew up with love for music and I am still a bassist. Even in my university days, I was playing music adding up to help my parents. So, after that, the passion kept growing more and more. Though, I am a Civil Engineer with houses that I built here in the South East, South South, North Central, in Ibadan, Akwa Ibom, Port-Harcourt and still practicing. But music has been my delight as I cannot sleep without music.
"So, I decided to do something in order to make that dream a fulfilled one. I had wanted to open a studio, but I realized that such an idea would not bring out that creativity in me, so I started building my sound gradually. Even before I got married, I was buying my musical instruments. You know the economic situation in the country. So, it took me time to purchase and assemble them into the good set we have today. By the grace of God we are making waves with people in and outside the state knowing us, though we are not up four months in this." He also informed reporters that his equipments are open for hiring for any kind of event, assuring the best from them.
"For the World Bank Street Praise, I have the burning desire to see that upcoming musicians in the state are encouraged to succeed. And my interest is to help them come to limelight. I know that God will bless me for that. Let me tell you that Imo State has great talents who are overlooked for the popular artistes. Another aspect of our February 15th street praise was to bring musicians together in order to make people around happy and joyful. You know that music is a food for the soul and something that brings joy. Even with the challenges in the country, music helps to make people happy.
"As you could see, everywhere was filled with joy as people including passers-by were dancing. Actually, it gives me joy to see people happy and that was what were able to achieve to the glory of God and that is what music can do.Another aspect was our sound production. It was a good sound production. And I heard people attesting to it. So, it gives me joy and fulfilment to see that I am doing things commendably and differently.
"As I said earlier, it took me time because of huge amount involved to purchase those instruments because I wanted the best. I am excited that people are happy listening and testifying that our sound production is good. This is the pleasure of listening to what is good.We have to praise God for the state, the South East and Nigeria to feel the impact," Engr. Nwogu stated, while soliciting collaboration and support towards bringing the joy to other areas of the state, including live streaming of their activities.
Meanwhile, reactions trailed the event. Obitere Deborah Chioma, said that the street praise excited her given it spiritual and social impact, especially in this period of crises, expressing joy that youths could come together for such a wonderful spiritual encounter. She added that it offered her the opportunity to ease her stress by dancing to the glory of God. While Oga Udo; a furniture maker while expressing happiness, declared that the street praise came at the right time to console the people on their present predicaments. Another passer-by, Mrs. Ugochi Onyekachi, emphasized the need to bring everything to God's feet in praises.
Also reacting, an MC/Comedian, King Zubby, highlighted the importance of raising the consciousness of the people that God reigns in all circumstances and to let the youths know that life is not all about clubing and waywardness. According to him, similar thing happens in Lagos, paving way there and in other states of the federation. He further said that such offers people the opportunity to praise God and dance away their sorrows as the challenges in the country required God's intervention through praises.
Aguzuo David, a drummer on his own hinted: "We are to use our talents to glorify God. I derive joy in it and God is blessing me through it. As a Gospel musician, our concern is to glorify God and uplift the souls of our listeners. Music is life and it gives joy. It helps one to forget his challenges wether the economy or bad government. You know that whenever the enemy wants to attack you, he would first of all take away your joy, but you will frustrate him when you continue to be joyful in the Lord." He also encouraged other youths to choose life which serving God brings, and to desist from the paths of evil which is common in the society.
The highpoint of the street praise was the outpouring of testimonies of joy, consolation and renewal of faith in God by those that witnessed the event. Meanwhile, the Director of the musical group, Engr. Nwogu, provided the following social media handles for the public to access their productions as well as for contact. The are: Facebook page: Deexcellent Eastern Entertainment Music Tv and YouTube: @VCE-LTD.
