McClurkin delivers at 'The Experience'

After landing in Jamaica fresh off a South Africa tour, international gospel artiste Donnie McClurkin did not short-change patrons who came out for 'The Experience' at the Manchester High School last Monday.

At the sound of his name, the shouts from the crowd could not be contained, as gospel lovers eagerly awaited what he had in store.

Everyone was on a high and McClurkin took them further with hits such as Nobody Greater, Great Is Your Mercy, Here I Am To Worship, and his famous reggae worship medley.

In an interview with THE STAR, McClurkin, who was performing in Mandeville for the first time, said he was impressed with the show and the talent.

"...To be out here and to be a part of this great culture, a culture of singers, it's wonderful. The performers that went before me were remarkable. It's just all of the anointed singers in Jamaica, meeting here in Mandeville," he said.

McClurkin, who had been flying consistently over a number of days, said he couldn't miss the opportunity to minister to the people in this region.

"It's the calling of the Lord, it's what we do ... . Jesus says 'And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached through out all worlds as a witness of all nations, til the end shall come'," he said.

The atmosphere was already electrified by previous performers such as Georganne Thomas, who thrilled the patrons with her exceptional vocal range and JCDC finalists Vitalytes with their song Banking On Jesus.

Perpetual Sounds of Praise graced the stage with a series of praise-and-worship songs.

The a cappella sensations Humble were up next and they brought a difference to the stage.

With creatively arranged old-school gospel with a modern twist, the crowd was left shouting, ''We want more''.

Kimola Brown-Lowe, who preceded McClurkin, demolished the stage with an intense set that had the Spirit moving among the people.

Her song Lift Him Up put the crowd in a frenzy and as the shouts of praise were made louder she left the stage singing It Is Done.

The night continued with performances by Jabez, with hits such as I Am A Warrior and Drinking From My Saucer.

Prodigal Son was met with mixed response. He expressed his gratitude to those who still loved him and understood the importance of forgiveness.

The night ended on a high with Kevin Downswell doing what he does best, ministering to hearts and inspiring hope in Jesus.