An estimated 15,000 patrons packed the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show Grounds in May Pen, Clarendon, on Sunday, August 2 for the annual Hi-Pro Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza, transforming the venue into a sea of praise, worship and celebration.

The event, which has been a fixture on Jamaica’s gospel calendar for more than two decades, was previously known as Gospel At Sunset. This year’s staging got under way at approximately 6:30 p.m. rather than the scheduled 6:00 p.m. start, following speeches and the prize-giving ceremony on the Jamaica Agricultural Society stage. The event also coincided with Prime Minister’s Day at the Denbigh show.

The night’s entertainment featured an eclectic line-up of gospel performers, including Kevin Downswell, Johnmark Wiggan, Prince Saj, Jabez, The Brown Trio, Sister Nicky and Jodian Pantry, while Pastor Chris Morgan delivered the evening’s message.

Director of Glory Music and master of ceremonies Tommy Cowan opened the programme with a welcome and prayer before handing over to Sister Nicky, who was making her first appearance at Denbigh Gospel Extravaganza. She immediately set an energetic tone with performances of He’ll Do It Again and All Christian People.

She was followed by The Brown Trio — siblings David, Deandra and Desere, children of Pastor Dorant and Mrs Jacqueline Brown of Nightingale Baptist Church in St Elizabeth. Their approximately 15-minute set provided a refreshing start to the evening’s musical programme.

Clarendonian Jodian Pantry then brought a distinctly Jamaican flavour to the proceedings with a cultural praise and worship set, performing songs including A Mighty Long Way To Go and  Press Along Saints. 

Antonette Bromfield, marketing manager of Hi-Pro, a division of the Jamaica Broilers Group, subsequently addressed the audience, explaining the company’s continued commitment to the gospel event. She assured patrons that Hi-Pro intends to partner with Glory Music and the Jamaica Agricultural Society again in 2027.

Bromfield also introduced Hi-Pro staff member Kirk Harry, who performed Great Is Thy Faithfulness, much to the delight of the audience.

The programme continued with Prince Saj and Johnmark Wiggan, who performed their collaboration Nobody Nuh More Than Wi among other selections. Their appearance was followed by Pastor Chris Morgan, who delivered a message titled ‘When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Gets Going.’

The message culminated in a call to salvation, with numerous patrons responding by raising their hands and surrendering their lives to Jesus Christ.

Cowan said the spiritual response was one of the highlights of the event, alongside the return of veteran gospel minister Jabez and the strong showings from several first-time performers.

“There were a few [highlights]. You had Min. Jabez back at Denbigh after not performing in Jamaica for a few years. First-timers: Sister Nicky, The Brown Trio of St Elizabeth, a staff member—Kirk Harry—from Hi-Pro, Prince Saj, Johnmark Wiggan, Pastor Chris Morgan, and the Youth For Christ backing band. Kevin Downswell, who closed the show, did so in fine style,” Cowan said.

The energy intensified with the appearance of Jabez, whose set included Drinking From My Saucer, Warrior Oh and Cancelled. His return to the Denbigh stage was particularly welcomed by patrons, according to Cowan.

Kevin Downswell was tasked with closing the event and delivered a powerful finale, performing songs including If It’s Not You into which he incorporated Goodness of God, before ending with Holy Forever. By then, the grounds had become a mass celebration, with patrons singing, dancing, waving flags and raising illuminated cell phones as they participated in the final moments of praise and worship.

“The patrons reacted in a joyful manner. They sang, danced and celebrated with uplifted hands, waving flags and, at times, with lighted cell phones in the air. Of course, to top this off was the many people who surrendered their lives to Christ at the closing of Pastor Chris Morgan’s message of salvation,” Cowan said.