By Denzil Fernandes
Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai

Dubai, Nov 26: The Integrity Worship Concert presented by VOICE (changing lives !) had an almost full house of gospel music lovers chant in ecstasy as the renowned One Voice Band from America performed in true style with their mesmerising music display.

The One Voice Band  featured Paul Wilbur, Greg Shumake, Carl Albrecht, Ebby and Patrick at the helm as they took centrestage with one masterpiece after another. It was surprising to  see gospel music lovers from all walks of life and belief flocking to the Aviation Club on the night of Tuesday November 24 well before the concert began. The ‘one off’ concert organized with the help of all Christian congregations in the UAE was the first of its kind and well appreciated by the music lovers.

Gospel music is extremely popular in America and is something new to other countries.  Although there are any number of gospel music lovers a full-fledged concert of this kind is a novelty especially in the Gulf countries. But the enthusiasm and response of the audience was hard to believe with the performers getting due applause one song after another. As Paul Wilbur mentioned during the concert, there was at least one music lover who had flown from Amman to Dubai for the event.

The evening started with two numbers from the choir which was followed by Arabic songs by Egyptian Tarek Rafik much to the delight of the crowd. What followed was an interesting  encore by Voice Sevens group led by Ranji George Mathews Samuel, which was not only comical and funnily tuned but also blended with superb voice co-ordination from all the seven members.

Then came the mighty band leader and famous performer from America Paul Wilbur who was at his best as he started the proceedings with total control on his music and singing. Supporting him on the keyboards was yet another prominent talent Greg Shumake who excelled along with Carl Albrecht on the drums. 

The crowd had their fill with such soul stirring music that was most peaceful and yet breathtaking in style. Every single number by Paul Wilbur had soothing music that easily merged with the cool atmosphere around. The peaceful mood created by the musicians was evident in the audience where there was total silence and a sense of holiness as the musicians performed in immaculate style. The local boys and girls who provided the backing as the choir group too seemed well trained to the task as they sang in perfect rhythm and harmony. It indeed was a welcome change from the boisterous and bang bang music one comes across in most of the concerts. 

Contrarily the show exhibited the quieter side of music with shades of  brilliance from the musicians. The entire audience stood on their feet and joined in the singing waving their arms and praising the Lord as they enjoyed every bit of the singing throughout the show. All in all, it was a good evening of enlightening music where the soul found something to search and think.

The UAE government truly showed its tolerance to freedom of religion by permitting the event to be held which was appreciated by the crowd. The show was broadcast live to at least 70 nations with 2 million listening the Dubai performance which is a record by itself.

Gladson Ronad and Sabu George were instrumental in putting up the concert along with other members of Voice. The concert was sponsored by Eliz watches and supported by Systems Engineering LLC, Audio Technica and others.