An international gospel music artiste, Marie Johnson has stated that music plays an important role and is a respite during this period of the global pandemic.
Johnson who sings in various languages such as French, Hausa, English stated this on Monday shortly after her second international recording concert which was held in Abuja on Sunday.
During an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday, she stated that the music concert was borne out of the backdrop of the impacts of the pandemic on people globally and her passion to preach positivity.
“ I realized that the pandemic having affected the health system, jobs etc also had a psychological effect on people so the global concert was organised to bring respite, succor and healing to withstand the trying times.
“It is a way of telling everyone around the world that there still so much love and hope to share to share notwithstanding,” she said
She said the coronavirus was a global enemy and all music ministers globally had a duty to fight it with their God given abilities.
She also urged the government to continue to support the growth of small businesses and hubs that enhance skills acquisition so that people can withstand challenging economic situations.
Music enthusiasts who graced the occasion and spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the concert was a great idea as it was a deviation from the challenges faced in recent times.
Mr. Reuben Okala, the FCT chaiman of Abuja Fellowship of Gospel Music Ministers of Nigeria (FOGMMON) said the global pandemic calls for deep worship for God on behalf of all the nations of the world.
He said music was a great way of reaching God and receiving more blessings during difficult periods and at all times.
“The pandemic situation is unpalatable therefore it is just good to worship God in praises and in between still pour out our minds to our creator who knows and sees it all.
“I believe the pandemic will go, so this is another avenue to tell God that we are sorry, we are one all over the universe,’’ He said.
He also encouraged radio stations to give religious song airplay at all times of the week .
Another attendee, Rachel Andrew, an artist, said music gives hope during difficult times such as this period.
“Music gives hope, peace and sense of belonging and concerts like preaches to the people that this is not the end of us as a people, it helps gives a sense of belonging.
“The programme was streamed live to carry most people all over the world along and to assure them that God is still there in the midst of it all,’’ She said.
Andrew urged the government to also support the growth of the music industry as local music had become a global commodity and hence contributed to the growth of the economy.
Tetteh Lartey, a native of Ghana told NAN that the music was an escape from all that people had been through in recent times.
“We are in troubled times and there’s little hope out there, so much is out there and its draining so music will help soothe troubled hearts and hope to everyone.
“ I am here to worship God because it’s a global concert where we have music in different languages,’’ He said.
NAN reports that over 400 persons were in attendance and from the online streaming monitored across various social media platforms, over l000 persons were in attendance. The highlight of the event was the performance of different songs by 8 artists to the delight of viewers.
