Hosted at The Elevation Church, the event—titled Shabach Encounter—is positioned as a spiritually immersive experience, distinct from the growing number of gospel concerts regularly held across Lagos and other Nigerian cities.
Beyond Performance: A Different Kind of Gathering
While gospel music events have become a familiar feature of Nigeria’s cultural and spiritual landscape, Sola Cymbal insists that Shabach Encounter is designed with a deeper purpose.
According to her, the event goes beyond performance and entertainment, focusing instead on creating a space for what she describes as “deep worship, prophetic praise, and divine encounter.” Drawing from Psalm 149:6, the word “Shabach” refers to a loud, triumphant expression of praise—an idea that forms the foundation of the gathering.
Rather than positioning attendees as passive listeners, the experience is structured to encourage active participation and personal spiritual engagement.
The 3W Framework: Worship, Warfare, Witness
Central to the identity of Shabach Encounter is what Sola Cymbal calls the “3W” framework—Worship, Warfare, and Witness.
This approach places emphasis on:
- Worship as an act of connection and reverence
- Warfare as a form of spiritual resistance through praise
- Witness as a testimony of transformation and faith
In her words, the goal is to create an atmosphere where praise becomes a tool for victory, burdens are lifted, and faith is renewed. It is, she explains, “a movement of praise with purpose,” rather than a music showcase.
Preparation Behind the Moment
In the lead-up to the event, the UK-based singer has spent the past two weeks in Lagos, overseeing preparations to ensure that every detail aligns with the vision she has carried since last year.
A mother of three, she balances her personal responsibilities with the demands of organising what she describes as a long-anticipated gathering—one that brings together multiple gospel voices under a shared spiritual objective.
Why Lagos?
Though the event could have been staged in other major cities such as Abuja, Ibadan, or Asaba, Lagos was intentionally selected. Known for its vibrant cultural energy and diverse audience, the city provides a fitting backdrop for a gathering designed to draw people into a collective experience of worship and reflection.
Anticipation Builds
As Sunday approaches, expectations continue to rise among gospel music followers and worshippers alike. With its emphasis on participation, spiritual depth, and communal praise, Shabach Encounter is shaping up to be more than a date on the events calendar—it is an experience aimed at leaving a lasting impact on those in attendance.
For many, it will not just be about the music, but about the moment—and the meaning behind it.