Acafest, a gospel concert showcasing ‘unplugged’ gospel artistes, takes place on November 2 at Northern Caribbean University’s (NCU) gymnatorium in Manchester.

Headline act Tim Storms is cited in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the “lowest note produced by a human” and “having the widest vocal range”.

The event is the brainchild of Dwayne Bailey, a Jamaican based in New York.

In addition to Storms, Acafest features Assure, Evince, Emeralds, Acappella Commission, Acts, and Shahaye.

All performances will be done a capella.

Storms was previously a member of an a cappella group called AVB, which did shows in Kingston and Ocho Rios.

In an interview with the Jamaica Observer, he said singing without instruments is one of the purest forms of gospel music.

“The concept behind Acafest is to bring together several Christian a cappella groups in one location to uplift the name of Jesus in order to encourage the saints and bring the lost to Christ,” said Storms. “I believe God has given us a gift in the human voice. There are many ways to express one’s faith, uplift the name of Jesus and encourage believers. To be able to do so with the human voice through four-part harmony is an extreme blessing and can have profound effects on the listener.”

Born in Oklahoma and raised in Indiana, Storms is an a cappella foremost vocalist who has performed throughout the United States, Europe, South America, and the Pacific.

Acafest is part of homecoming activities at NCU, which takes place from November 4-10. During this period, the Seventh-day Adventist institution salutes its latest and past graduates.

— Howard Campbell