The East Lawns of King’s House became more than a venue on Saturday night. For several hours it was transformed by a sea of worshippers into a space of praise.

It was the perfect start to the month in which Jamaica celebrates its 64th year of Independence as hundreds gathered for the second staging of the Come Alive Gospel concert.

Dubbed a national call to worship, it became evident from the very first note that this was no ordinary musical showcase. It was an invitation — one that patrons answered with lifted hands, tear-filled eyes, and hearts fully surrendered to praise.

Petra-Kaye (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Christian worship, often confined to church walls, spilled freely across the grounds as saints gave their whole beings to the moment, proving that praise can command the same passion and intensity as any secular spectacle.

Yet, unlike the fleeting excitement of entertainment, what unfolded at King’s House was rooted in something deeper — an encounter with the divine.

The group H.U.M.B.L.E opened the main event with a spirited rendition of the Jamaican National Anthem, their harmonies echoing across the venue before they returned with a medley of old-time gospel favourites that ignited a revival spirit which lingered for the remainder of the programme.

Multi-hyphenate Terri-Karelle Johnson is caught in praise mode. (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

That spirit only intensified when Petra Kaye took the stage. With a commanding voice that carried effortlessly across the lawns, the singer brought a fervency reminiscent of the “old-time religion” of generations past. Songs such as Crown Him, I Can Recommend My God, and the beloved Sovereign God Medley became more than performances. Attendees sang along with conviction, their praises rising heavenward like incense.

Johnmark Wiggan followed with a deeply personal set, sharing snippets of a testimony marked by trials that, by his own admission, should have destroyed him had it not been for the hand of God. As he delivered songs including Still Deh Yah, Because You Are Good, Run Me Dung, and Testimony, an intimate atmosphere settled over the audience. Eyes closed, hands lifted, and voices trembling with emotion, patrons appeared to journey back to defining moments in their Christian walk, as if remembering prayers answered, valleys crossed, and the faithfulness of God through every season.

The praise continued with Jermaine Edwards, whose set list included Peace In My Soul, Not Forget, Naa Bow, and Make You Smile. By the time he closed with his hit single Beautiful Day, the East Lawns had erupted into celebration.

Johnmark Wiggan onstage (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

Joy radiated from faces of attendance across the venue and, for a while, worries seemed to dissolve beneath the weight of worship.

Then came the evening’s international headliner, Michael W Smith.

Making a grand entrance, the singer’s band set the tone with a dramatic prelude before the legendary worship leader greeted the crowd.

Rev Karl Johnson addresses the Come Alive audience.(Photo: Karl Mclarty)

“Jamaica, it’s so good to be here,” he said to great applause.

“We have a set list, but we might not stick to it,” he added, signalling that while plans had been made, the direction of the evening ultimately belonged to God.

Without hesitation, Smith launched into crowd favourites Open The Eyes of My Heart and Draw Me Close To You. The response was immediate. Worshippers surrendered themselves to the music.

Pausing between songs, Smith reflected on the immeasurable love of God; a love, he reminded the audience, that surpasses human understanding despite the Creator’s infinite power. He then transitioned into
Arms Around the Sun, a moving reminder of God’s unwavering affection for humanity.

From left: Chairman of the Come Alive Collective Eric Hosin; wife of the governor general, Lady Allen; Member of Parliament and House Speaker Juliet Holness; and Prime Minister Andrew Holness were among the attendees.Karl Mclarty

Reflecting on his time in Jamaica, the singer shared that beyond the island’s beauty, it was the warmth and spirit of its people that had touched him most.

“Honestly, I love the people. I love your country, and I bless your country with all the promises of God,” he said before delivering favourites such as The Air I Breathe, Lord, I Give You My Heart, Above All, and There Is None Like You.

“Here is my prayer for Jamaica — at least one of them,” he said before leading the audience into
Let It Rain.

It’s a praise party!Karl Mclarty

His set also included stirring renditions of Waymaker, Agnus Dei (Worthy Is The Lamb), Goodness of God, and Awesome God.

Had the curtains closed at that very moment, patrons would likely have left fulfilled, their faces glowing from an evening already overflowing with worship. But Come Alive still had one final offering.

Papa San emerged to deafening cheers, lifting the energy to even greater heights.

A section of the audience on the King’s House lawns.Karl Mclarty

From the opening notes of Glory God, the veteran deejay had the audience captivated.

Songs like Hell Bruk Loose and Step Pan Di Enemy transformed the East Lawns into a grand dance floor as patrons abandoned their seats, dancing and rejoicing with uninhibited praise.

“I haven’t been here in a while ennu, so mek we go down memory lane likkle bit,” he told the crowd before launching into a nostalgic rendition of
Pop Style.

Artiste Papa SanKarl Mclarty

But amid the excitement, his message remained clear: “Worship should be a part of your life. Sing about what Jesus did for you,” he encouraged before performing Smile Again, a testimony of redemption and restoration.

Long after the final song faded, the message of the evening remained.

According to Eric Hosin, chairman of the Come Alive Collective, the success of the event was possible only because of God’s grace.

International artiste Michael W Smith (Photo: Karl Mclarty)

“We’re happy and giving God thanks and all the praises because this was only because of his goodness and his mercy,” he told the Jamaica Observer.

“People seemed to have enjoyed themselves. Papa San closing was just something else, and we’re giving God thanks. We saw worship taking place with Michael W Smith, Jermaine Edwards, Johnmark Wiggan, Petra Kaye, and H.U.M.B.L.E, who started out with that lovely rendition of the national anthem. It was an amazing night.”

He added: “It was a national call to worship. We answered a call from the Lord, where He said He was seeking true worshippers. Persons even came with their tambourines for worship and we thank the Lord.”