Popular American southern gospel group The Hoppers will headline the inaugural staging of Arise 2025, which is scheduled to take place on Sunday, April 20 at the National Arena.

Also billed to perform are Gospel Proclaimers, H.U.M.B.L.E., Carey Sayles, Veronica Nicholson Reid, and Kingsway Alumni Reunion Voices.

Arise 2025 forms part of Kingsway High School alumni’s seven-day reunion celebration, which kick-starts activities on April 16 through to April 22.

Celebratory events include campus tour, gala dinner, a special Sabbath service, outdoor excursions, and more.

Dale Flynn, event consultant for Arise 2025, explained the objectives.

“I’d say that the main aim is to use the event as a conduit of holistic transformation through education that shapes the mental, physical, and spiritual faculties that result in nation- and kingdom-building. I believe that the pendulum has swung and stayed too far as we see reflected in our homes, schools, communities, and across the country. Arise events will seek to assist in reset and the realignment of values.

“This event is also a reunion of the 50th anniversary of the Gospel Proclaimers that had its birth at the Kingsway High School. The former lead singer Leroy Gibbons, who now resides in Canada, and others will be back for this memorable moment,” Flynn told the Jamaica Observer on Thursday.

Flynn explained the decision to include The Hoppers on the line-up.

“The Hoppers is a multi-award-winning family gospel group whose music has endeared and impacted audiences worldwide including Jamaicans. They have been a staple with the renowned Gaither’s Homecoming Series and songs like Jerusalem and
Shouting Time are sung by almost every group or choir at thanksgiving or celebration services. This is their first time to Jamaica and fans will be travelling near and far to enjoy an awesome evening,” said Flynn.

He added that, “This is also a fund-raising opportunity to give back to education. The alumni [association] is targeting 80 scholarships, continuing mentorship programmes, and improvements to the physical plant at the alma mater Kingsway High School.”

Flynn also shared what patrons can expect at Arise 2025.

“They can expect an awesome evening of praise and worship that includes various genres of music and ministry. We are aiming for a great production where God will be glorified and patrons depart satisfied,” he assured.