By Kolawole Bamidele
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Music is a food for the soul, and it was an amazing performance when Mary J. Ogonnoh a.k.a Mary J and her Zion Highlife Gospel Band led some of her colleagues in the gospel music industry  to offer praises to God in different styles in a mega concert last Sunday.

       The Akure-based gospel artiste, packaged the four-in-one praise concert to celebrate her  12 years on stage,  launch a  new album titled Enu Ope,  give thanks  to God for saving her life from auto accident in December 2017 and  present awards to  deserving gospel lovers within and outside the state.

The concert was  held  at the hall of St. James’ CAC, Mega School, Irowo Street, Akure and attended by eminent  people in the society.

During the programme, the hall was filled to capacity with people from different walks of life dancing when Mary J sang  as their spirit was lifted.

Mary J, while speaking with Friday Extravangaza , said that her passion for music  has afforded her the opportunity to dine with kings.

“I have been seeing the mighty hand of God in my life, I started singing since 25 years ago, but professionally about 12 years ago, and God has been faithful to me.

“I don’t really organise my concerts in December, but what happened made me to re-schedule the concert to appreciate God for what he has done in my life,” she said.

The artiste said  she loves praising God with all she has, and has seen the blessing of God whenever she praise  him.

She gave awards to some people who have been supporting her ministry, saying their impacts in her life have  been  awesome.

Some of the awardees were former PDP deputy governorship aspirant, Mr John Ola Mafo, Mr Gani Ojagbohunmi, APC Chieftain Mr Olusola Oke, Chief Benjamin Olomikikun and others.

She identified the issue of coordinating band members as a major challenge, since she started singing.

She noted that she had organised a talents hunt in Ilaje, her home town to bring out hidden talents in the gospel ministry. She  disclosed that another talent hunt is  in the offing.

Mary J noted that her aim is to sanitise the country through her inspirational songs and to restore those people that  have gone astray back to God.

She revealed  that  she has been able to produce two albums titled ‘Uncommon mercy’ and ‘Enu ope’. Mary J appreciated God who made the programme a success and everyone that came to witness the occasion, and prayed to God that  he  should bless  them all.

In his remarks,  Mr John Ola Mafo, described Mary J as a God fearing woman, responsible, and committed to the divine  calling.

He disclosed  that  he fell  in love with  Mary’s music the first day he listened to it and her style of blending gospel music with a little touch of Juju.

He prayed for Mary J that God should take her to  a higher place for her to achieve her noble goal, and her name to ring more bell.

Other guests at the concert included, Ondo State Governor of GOMAN, Rev. David Akinadewo, Ayo Melody  and other gospel artistes.