When the discussion on live performance of Gospel Music in Kenya comes to mind, one name is significant and that is of Pastor Solomon Sila. He is among a few who have embraced the concept of live performance in their Music. He is the Lead Pastor at Prophetic Worship, A Ministry of The Open Gate of Hope and a Patron of a team of talented musicians both instrumentalists and singers. The pastor also trains music teams and groups in various churches, and organises worship concerts and worship events in diverse places. I had a chat with him to get his views on the Gospel Industry in Kenya and the trend of live performance, what it takes to put up a live concert and how different it is from a studio recording.
The pastor is organizing a worship event that will bring 300 vocalists on one stage and other great ministers of the gospel at Parklands Baptist church on 22nd February, 2022 at 5:30 PM. He said that the purpose of the event is to bring Kenyans together in worship thus the name ‘The Gathering’. “The concept is to bring all people from all over the Country together to raise the name of Jesus in our land.” He said. “The date 22/02/2022 is a special timeline because we will not have any other date like this for a long time, and for us to be in such a time, there is a purpose that God wants us to achieve.” He added.
But to put up a live performance isn’t as easy as it seems as explained by Pastor Sila. “You have to be patient, and have a team that believes in what you are doing, venue equipment and all this is expensive. We also practice a lot before the actual date of the live performance. You can repeat one song or one verse several times until you hear it go in sync with the band and singers. Friendship and appreciating each other is also important.” He explained.
“People were used to studio recording, but the likes of Kanji Mbugua did their first live recording and it was good. It was a creative way of doing things. No one can replicate a live moment. You connect with the audience especially in praise and worship.” He added.
Pastor Sila notes that Kenya has enough content in terms of praise and worship and it’s the mindset we have that if we sing in church or play music in our media houses, it has to have some line up from outside the Country. “The Gathering event will have all Kenyan songs. But if you tell people about the event the first question is, who the chief guest is and from.” He said “We should bring the people to loving our nation, and loving what we have, and that starts with an individual.” He added. He also challenged people to be creative.
Having served in worship and the Ministry for over 20 Years and still counting, Pastor Sila has learnt to balance between the Ministry and social life. He takes time to enjoy and relax. “A tired mind is not a creative mind, and you will not give 100% of your best if tired. Rest is important. I love driving around, walking travelling and swimming.” He said.
