Over the years Genesis Praisefest has been a place at which young people connect with the Lord in a real and relevant way. To commemorate the event’s 40th year, the organisers have enlisted a line-up of top acts to spread the message of the Lord.

Scheduled for New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1, at Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, Genesis will feature performances by Jermaine Edwards, Prodigal Son, Goddy Goddy, Johnmark Wiggan, Audia Spencer Brown, Prince Saj, Carey Sayles, and the Genesis Praise Squad.

“January 1 will mark 40 years of Genesis impacting lives through faith, music, and fellowship; a testament to God’s faithfulness across generations. This milestone edition celebrates not only longevity, but legacy. Locally and regionally, Genesis stands as the oldest gospel event in the Caribbean, having consistently provided a space where young people can encounter God in ways that are authentic, relevant, and transformative,” Shannon-Dale Reid, public relations consultant for Jamaica Youth For Christ and Genesis, told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

Reid continued that: “The 40th anniversary of Genesis will intentionally honour its journey, from its beginnings as a festival to its growth into one of Jamaica’s highly anticipated praise and worship experiences, bridging generations, celebrating faith in action, and calling both the young and the young at heart to begin the year rooted in God and aligned with His purpose.”

Asked whether it was easy or difficult to get the artistes confirmed for the line-up, Reid said that the shared purpose of the event helped make confirmations smoother than expected.

“While coordinating schedules always comes with its challenges, the process was made easier because of Genesis’s legacy and credibility. Many artistes understand the importance of the platform and its impact, and they see it as more than just a performance, it’s a ministry,” he said.

While the event targets primarily a youth demographic, Reid said, it has crossed several divides and age groups.

“Genesis has helped introduce generations to faith, strengthened spiritual identity, and provided a safe, uplifting alternative to secular new year celebrations, while continuously evolving to remain culturally relevant…knowing our young people are easily distracted. Today, it attracts teens, university students, young professionals, families, and even those who attended Genesis in its early years and now return with their children. It’s truly a gathering for anyone seeking a positive, faith-filled start to the new year,” Reid shared.

Prodigal Son.

Goddy Goddy (Photo: Naphtali Junior0

Audia Spencer Brown.