Hands stretched towards the heavens. Eyes closed in worship. Voices raised in thunderous hallelujahs. And when the music picked up, there was dancing. Lots and lots of dancing.
Young and old alike danced the night away as gospel music filled the UWI Graduation Tent. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
The UWI Graduation Tent was transformed into a celebration of faith and music on Saturday night as Vintage SonFest brought together generations of gospel lovers for an electrifying evening of praise, worship and unrestrained joy.
From the familiar hymns that had patrons singing along to the pulsating rhythms of contemporary gospel, there was little opportunity to remain seated. Young and old danced, clapped and lifted their hands, turning the concert into an experience that was as much about participation as performance.
The event, hosted by Kingdom Culture International under the theme Lifting Up the Name of Jesus, delivered on its promise to unite generations through gospel music.
And the artistes gave the crowd plenty of reasons to move.
Veteran gospel artiste James Leacock opened the evening before Sherryann Maughan took the stage with songs including Triumph and Call Me a Winner, adding to the celebratory atmosphere.
Rising star Jude Clarke then brought a distinctly nostalgic flavour to the proceedings, drawing on beloved hymns such as What a Friend We Have in Jesus, Standing on the Promises and Don’t Try to Tell Me.
Gospel artiste Jude Clarke performs during Vintage Sonfest. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
But nostalgia did not mean a slower pace. The familiar songs became an invitation to sing, dance and worship, with the audience embracing every opportunity.
Adding to the evening’s energy was Ready Fusion Dance Group, whose dancers returned to the stage several times throughout the concert, delivering spirited performances that brought another dimension to the celebration of faith and music.
Jamaican pastor and gospel artiste Junior Tucker also had patrons moving as he delivered Souled Out and Trading My Sorrows, closing his set with the energy still running high.
Pastor and recording artiste Junior Tucker. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
Jozee and Shepherd added their unforgettable contributions before Jamaican headliner Prodigal Son took the celebration to another level.
International performing artiste Jozee. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
Shepherd during his lively set. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
His performance bridged generations, moving through favourites such as Ketch a Fire and Bungo Town, with the crowd responding enthusiastically before he brought the night to a close with Jesus Bigger.
Yet, amid the excitement, there were also moments of deep personal worship. Heads tilted upwards, hands remained raised, and voices joined in praise, offering a reminder that this was more than a night of gospel entertainment.
For the organisers, that distinction mattered.
Apostle Bernhard Cadogan, of Kingdom Culture International, described Vintage SonFest as an annual evangelistic outreach aimed at encouraging people to develop a relationship with Jesus Christ.
“And so this, this is like an evangelistic outreach programme for us yearly,” he said.
This year’s event also welcomed pensioners and teenagers free of charge, reflecting the organisers’ intention to reach people across generations rather than operate the concert as a commercial venture.
His wife, Apostle Destiny Cadogan, said the event was rooted in a belief that people, regardless of their age or circumstances, could change their lives.
Kingdom Culture International leaders (from left) Apostle Elwood Watts, Bernhard Cadogan and Destiny Cadogan. (Photo by: Barbados TODAY)
Reflecting on concerns about crime and the behaviour of young people, she cautioned against placing all the blame on the younger generation.
“We think it’s just the youth, but the youth have a pattern that was set for them by the older ones,” she said.
She said the church would continue creating opportunities for people to hear messages that could influence the direction of their lives, even if the results were not immediately apparent.
“We’re not discouraged by the response in here tonight because the response could come tomorrow, it can come next week, it can come next month, whatever, but as long as the seed is sown, we’re happy.”
Drawing on her own journey, Rev Cadogan spoke about the possibility of transformation regardless of a person’s past: “Our intention is to show people you can change, no matter how bad you are. There’s a potential for you to change and get better.”
And with plans already underway for Vintage SonFest 2027 set for October 30, the church has no intention of ending the annual outreach.
“This is something we’re not gonna quit because it’s needed, it’s necessary.”
(SM)
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