American Gospel singer, Jeremy Camp and his Speaking Louder ministry team were in Uganda for their maiden mega concert, but a 20th anniversary event, the “Love at 20” edition of the now popular Phat Fest 2018. If you were in Kampala and did not make the time for this, we wish to let you know that you missed a lot.
It goes without saying that Uganda’s top acts, including but not exclusive to, Zabuli, Coopy Bly, Fortune Spice, Pastor Wilson Bugembe, among others were in attendance, and performed. The Watoto Children’s Choir also had a slot, and first-timers DJ Hush and Paul Selah, made their debut on what is described as East Africa’s biggest concert. Let us just say, that writing this article felt like ‘preaching to the converted’, because WHO WASN’T AT Lugogo Cricket Oval?
Over 35,000 people, predominantly youth and young adults flocked the venue, stood in twos, or groups of friends – and some families, chatting the Saturday evening away, enjoying the foods on sale, and taking countless selfies and photographs to share on social media. This, going by the numbers, must have been at least five times bigger than the previous event which happened in 2016.
What stood out for us, is something that we hope Uganda’s Gospel artists can learn from from Jeremy Camp.
Your Testimony Is Your Weapon
We cannot stress this enough. People go through a lot, and for Jeremy Camp, it was a loss of his wife, Melissa Lynn Henning-Camp months after their wedding. The two were married on October 21, 2000. She died on February 5, 2001 due to ovarian cancer. At that time, Jeremy was just 23 years of age.
During Phat Fest, while listening to this story, which blessed many believers and contributed to over 700 souls returning to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, it was obvious that, every test and trial is a weapon for ministry. He has since remarried Adrienne Lies ching, with whom they have two daughters.
In Uganda, musicians like Exodus and of recent, Zabuli have embraced their testimony and use it as a weapon of ministry.
Engage the crowd
If you expect that people will always know all your songs and hence will sing along, you are wrong. A time will come when you are in a different territory, or you have nice new music, which – as was the case for Jeremy Camp, has not infiltrated the said territory. This is why, things like, teaching the crowd a phrase or two to sing with you is extremely important. Our observation, from conversations online showed a number of people saying, it felt like they knew every single song that was sung by Jeremy Camp.
In Uganda, we think that, if an artist cannot get the crowd dancing, then they have failed to engage the crowd. Yes? Wrong! Do a bit of everything, including letting the crowd listen to the songs, with instruments doing the barest minimum. Sometimes, the engagement involves just the ears. It all works to your advantage.
Communicate
From Jeremy’s ministry at Phat Fest, it was evident that the forty-year-old who celebrated his birthday, a day before the event, had a message to give and was intentional about putting it across, in song and even, in preaching during the musical breaks.
Learn the art and science of a live performance.
Do not think that you will forever be required to ‘perform on CD.’ One time you might be shocked. Work on your voice, it is your instrument.
Embrace Social Media
During the days leading to Jeremy Camp’s visit to Uganda, we followed the Speaking Louder social media platforms and that of Jeremy’s and they had timely relevant and well-put-out messages, with the intention of ministering and information Ugandans.
It is so sad to say that, a good number of Ugandan musicians did not put out more than five posts about an event they were invited to minister at. Many Ugandan musicians, if not the headlining act, will often do very little to promote a concert they are to perform at. Now, why this is so, is hard to fathom. It should be obvious, or like second nature, given that we live in the digital age. Let those who have ears, listen to what we’re saying.
Think – BIG PICTURE.
Again, some of you may have missed it but, did you know that Jeremy Camp and Speaking Louder team were involved in ministering to the needy while in Uganda, and ground-breaking activities for a clinic and partnerships made with the local churches, especially Watoto to continue reaching out?
Can we now start to think beyond the song? Music is a tool, and it is not about improving your personal status, acquiring cars, but rather winning more souls and showing the Love of Jesus to the world.
Partner with the local church(es)
This is a continuation from the above point, and to make it relevant to Uganda’s case, we hope that Gospel musicians will partner with local churches a lot more to hold concerts, and outreach programs. The “churches are using (or rather, misusing) musicians” mindset should not deter the obedient from working with and under the leadership of local churches. Also, to those reading this and are a part of church leadership, look out for Gospel musicians and ministers you can closely work with. You will be shocked by the power of unity.
Humility
The many who got a chance to interact with this critically acclaimed musician, had this report, that he and the team were very humble in their interactions with people. There has to come a time when your Awards, and/being the best musician in the country should be pale in light of your ability to minister.
Finally, let your light shine and enable you cross borders, into newer territories.
This is a bonus point to note, for the musicians. Can you do all that is within your power, through the enablement of the Holy Spirit to offer a unique experience each time you perform. Do not be so predictable, that people can tell exactly what you are going to do each time. The song is a means to minister, not a template to repeat every time you are called upon to perform. Doesn’t God give you a new message daily? Why isn’t that reflected in your performances?
For more pictures from Phat Fest 2018, find them here.
Photo Credit: Jonas Rayme
Ug Gospel Life 
A pack of wisdom .. thanks.
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