BIG-NAME gospel acts lived up to the billing for a successful staging of AIM First Fest at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew, on Monday.

Markland Edwards, CEO of Action Entertainment — event organisers, gave the event thumbs up.

“I am extremely happy about the outcome of the event. It was an engagement of deliverance, salvation, and families having fun in Christ,” he told the

Jamaica Observer.

The concert began on a high note with veteran singer George Nooks belting old favourites. He was followed by up-and-coming artistes Carey Sailes, Keesa Peart and Sister Pat.

Rondell Positive was next to hit the stage. His set was a sing-along as he performed faves, including

Most High andCover Me, featuring Island Worship.

The energy would only intensify when Prodi entered the stage to maddening cheers. He delivered well-known hits, including

Blessings, Bongo Town, Woe, Love God Bad, God Again andLava Ground.

DJ Nicholas followed in his usual excellence. From Cut it Off to Divine Mathematics to Holy Ghost Gym, he enjoyed a favourable set which had patrons in a frenzy.

Though most of the songs were visibly unknown to patrons, American gospel act Dietrick Haddon performance earned him a “forward”. His set comprised

Well Done, He’s Able, Love Him Like I Do and All The Way, which features DJ Nicholas.

Gospel sensation Kevin Downswell brought the curtains down in fine style. He began his set with

Nobody Loves Me The Way You Do, followed byThat’s Enough, with Prodi. By this time, the crowd was in a frenzy and waving rags in the air. Downswell would conclude his set with an acoustic rendition of If It’s Not You, EDM single All The Way, and You Make Me Stronger. Another highlight of his performance was calling up fellow artistes Rondell Positive and Chozenn to share his set.

Meanwhile, patrons Shanel Bailey and her sister, Tamoyah Cherrington, described the concert and funday as “truly amazing” and “exciting”, respectively.

AIM First Fest was first held in 2014.

— Aldane Walters