The annual Praise in the Park free gospel concert returns to Emancipation Park on Friday, October 16, for its fourth staging.

The event, which has become the highlight of Credit Union Week, will feature performances from a stellar line-up of acts including 2026 Jamaica Gospel Star winner Chantal Smalling Stephenson, Raheem Wellington, Sebastian Braham, Nickette Morgan Williams, multi-award winner Jai Kingston, and Rhoda Isabella. Katrina Grant, group marketing and communication manager for Jamaica Co-operative Credit Union League, which represents the Credit Unions of Jamaica, said Praise in the Park is intended to bring the credit union movement together to celebrate, give thanks, and connect with its members and communities.

“We held the first Praise in the Park in October 2023 as part of the national celebration of International

Credit Union Day and Credit Union Week at Emancipation Park.

Before Praise in the Park, our national Credit Union Week celebration was held at Carib cinema as a theatre buy-out. While that worked well, we recognised the limitations in terms of space and capacity.

Four years ago we decided to move the celebration to a more open and accessible space, with the aim of connecting more directly with our members and the wider community. That was how Praise in the Park was born,” Grant told the Jamaica Observer on Friday.

“We deliberately chose a gospel concert because we felt it was an appropriate way to give thanks for a movement that has been empowering Jamaicans, creating opportunities and making a difference in communities for generations,” said Grant, who shared how the event has helped to shape the profile of the credit union movement.

With 23 credit unions across Jamaica, the event’s livestream will connect with out-of-town members and communities allowing an even wider audience to experience the celebration.

“Patrons can expect a great evening of gospel music, praise, celebration and togetherness. The event is free, family-friendly… It is a strong mix of artistes, and we are looking forward to an evening of music that people can enjoy while celebrating and giving thanks,” Grant said.

The pre-show begins at 5:30 pm, with the concert running from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

Nadine Blair and Markland Edwards share host duties, while DJ Chinny will provide music and keep the energy flowing.

Said Grant: “This year’s staging is also a great example of the power of partnership and co-operation. CUNA Caribbean Insurance has been our title sponsor for all four stagings of Praise in the Park, and we are extremely grateful for that continued partnership.

Our associate sponsors are Cumax Wealth Management, Rhon Mattison Music, Sora Media, SR Music & Entertainment Factory, TLA, Love 101, Suncity Radio, and New Insight Decor.”

Recalling the 2025 edition, Grant said: “There were so many memorable moments about last year’s staging, but one that really stayed with me was the rain. People were standing under tents and umbrellas waiting for the rain to stop, and they never left. When the rain finally stopped and people came out to give praise, it was just heart-warming…

Those moments remind me what Praise in the Park is about… That is the spirit we want to continue building each year.”