Faith-economics: Driving development impact with the Experience

In its 18th iteration, The Experience, a popular annual gospel concert in Lagos, Nigeria, is taking a new approach by partnering with the private sector to drive development in Africa. The Metropolitan Senior Pastor of House on the Rock, Paul Adefarasin, believes that Africa needs development, a stronger economy, more entrepreneurs, and the economics of faith can play a crucial role in achieving these goals. The Experience has evolved beyond just a music concert; it now includes elements of entrepreneurship and commerce. According to Pastor Adefarasin, the event offers opportunities for entrepreneurs to showcase and sell their products and services. The food and beverage industry, known as one of the largest and most robust sectors globally, has stepped in to support the event, not only as sponsors but also by aligning their brand with The Experience. This collaboration strengthens the event, the businesses involved, and ultimately gives glory to God, whom Pastor Adefarasin believes is the source of all blessings. Moreover, The Experience has also received support from Spotify, a leading music streaming platform, which is promoting music as a commodity for human consumption. While Spotify's sponsorship may be modest at the moment, Pastor Adefarasin hopes for stronger support in the future. Importantly, the platform is giving artists a voice and ensuring that they receive digital royalties for their work. This initiative aims to recognize the intellectual property rights of artists who produce worship music and provide them with fair compensation for their efforts. Pastor Adefarasin emphasizes the importance of balancing ministry, art, and industry. He believes that ministry should not be about profiting but about service, but it can also evolve into a sustainable industry beyond the church walls. By supporting artists in obtaining their rightful royalties, The Experience is contributing to the growth of a new breed of artist-entrepreneurs who can thrive both in their art and in their livelihood. The collaboration between The Experience, the private sector, and artists is not just about creating a successful event; it is about driving economic development in Africa. By harnessing the economics of faith, which promotes values like integrity, honesty, and accountability, Pastor Adefarasin believes that Africa can build a stronger economy, empower more entrepreneurs, and ultimately create a society that reflects the principles of heaven on earth. Through these innovative collaborations and partnerships, The Experience is not only providing a platform for spiritual nourishment but also becoming a catalyst for economic growth and social progress in Africa. As the event continues to evolve and expand its reach, it is demonstrating the power of faith-economics in driving positive change and transformation across the continent.