The highly anticipated Experience 2024 concert in Lagos was not only a spiritual encounter but also a financial milestone, according to the senior pastor of House on the Rock Church, Paul Adefarasin.
In a candid press briefing ahead of the event, Adefarasin shared a striking revelation: the cost of organizing this year’s Experience concert was eight times higher than last year’s, largely due to the sharp depreciation of the Nigerian naira.
“The Nigerian economy is getting tougher,” Adefarasin remarked. “It takes someone who believes in God to organize this. What we spent last year is now eight times that amount this year because of the naira depreciation.”
Despite the financial strain, Adefarasin expressed his unwavering faith in God and the significance of the annual event. For 19 years, The Experience has been a beacon of hope and worship for millions of people around the world, and this year was no different.
What started as a local gathering at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) in Lagos has now become a global phenomenon, transcending its humble beginnings. The concert has grown into an event watched by millions from across the globe, with attendees raising their hands in praise, their faces illuminated by screens and lights, all united in worship.
Adefarasin, reflecting on the event’s 19-year journey, emphasized the spiritual importance of the gathering. “For 19 remarkable years, we have gathered—under the open skies of Tafawa Balewa Square and in countless homes across the world—to partake in a divine encounter,” he said. “THE EXPERIENCE has transcended its beginnings as a local gathering, growing into a global phenomenon that bears witness to the unfailing faithfulness of God.”
The senior pastor continued to highlight the unity and hope that the event brings. “Millions join us each year, united in worship, with one purpose: to glorify the name above all names—Jesus Christ, the King of kings,” Adefarasin said. “The lights that pierce the night—from raised hands, glowing screens, and illuminated faces at the TBS—are more than fleeting visuals. They epitomize hope, unity, and a shared testament to the transformative power of faith in God.”
As the global event continues to grow, its core message remains the same: “It has always been—and will always be—all about Jesus.”
While the concert brings together a diverse audience of believers from around the world, Adefarasin also underscored the far-reaching impact the event has on society. “Consider the far-reaching impact of this throng—not just for those who are present, but for a world yearning for better nations and a more sincere, hopeful existence,” he said. “THE EXPERIENCE is a celebration of faith’s resilience, a movement that transcends trials to attest to the unshakeable truth that, regardless of the circumstances we endure or the darkness that confronts us, we stand unshaken in the certain knowledge that Jesus, the Light of the world, always wins.”
The 2024 edition of The Experience brought together renowned gospel artists from both Nigeria and abroad, whose performances filled the air with soul-lifting music and powerful prayers. The event was not only a spiritual gathering but a reflection of Nigeria’s diverse culture and commitment to unity and faith. Adefarasin also pointed to this year’s impressive line-up of award-winning artists, which added credibility to the event’s growing global influence.
For those attending, whether in person or virtually, the concert offers a chance to experience more than just music.
The House on the Rock Church’s decision to continue organizing the event, despite the financial challenges posed by the economy, is a testament to its commitment to fostering spiritual growth and community. Adefarasin acknowledged the sacrifices made by the church, saying, “It takes someone who believes in God to organize this,” further highlighting the faith-driven nature of the event.
