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Gospel Show Rings In Homecoming Week

Staff Writer

Published: Monday, October 25, 2010

Updated: Tuesday, October 26, 2010 00:10

Homecoming 2010 Gospel Show

Ryan C. Hamilton

The Howard Gospel Choir sings a tribute to Walter Hawkins.

Students and community members rejoiced as Howard University kicked off its 2010 Homecoming with a gospel celebration. The Gospel Explosion featured talent from students, entertainers and a choir that left many in tears by the end of the evening.

The stage of Cramton Auditorium was host to a live band. The show opened with a liturgical dance presentation as performers danced through the isles of the auditorium while the crowd was seated. 

The show's host, Gospel rapper, Da Truth, warmed up the crowd with his own raps and words on God in between the scheduled acts. He thanked God for bringing him through his difficult times and asked the crowd to chant, "when the trumpet blows" as the song went on.

After the introduction by the host, School of Divinity alumnus and acclaimed minister, Ernest Pugh, gave a performance that lifted the audience from its seats in praise.

The Howard University Gospel Choir followed Pugh's performance. Senior advertising major, Eunique Hansel, felt touched by the song selections.

"It felt really good to see everyone coming together to support our friends in the choir," Hansel said. "They looked really nice and sang even better."

Marsha Leo, junior advertising major and the show's coordinator, was and proud of the turnout of the event.

"I would like to thank my Dynasty family for everything and everyone who supported me throughout this journey; it's been a wonderful experience and I hope you all enjoy."

Though the planning may have been strenuous at time, in the end, Leo had a positive outlook on the experience. "It was a very elaborate process with so many details from scouting to booking artists and things changing at the last minute, but I had a great time," Leo said. 

When singer Marvin Sapp, came to the stage and the crowd cheered as he took them on an emotional journey of the troubles that people face in their everyday lives. Sapp gave a testimony of how he endured the loss of his wife and struggles with self-fulfillment through song.

"I needed to be delivered not from drug addiction or alcohol, but from the opinions of others," Sapp said.

He sang the hit "The Best In Me" and led the audience on a musical testimony that led many to tears and rejoicing. He ended the show with his gospel classic, "Never Would Have Made It," receiving a standing ovation.

Kyla Grant, senior broadcast journalism major, was thoroughly impressed.

"There is an anointing on Marvin Sapp's life to minister through music," Grant said. "I believe burdens were removed and yokes were destroyed tonight. His testimony is a true testament to God's love. Awesome way to ring in homecoming week." 

For Charles Canady, senior audio production major, the show was a promising indicator for the rest of the week's events. "The gospel show always leave me fulfilled. I can't wait to see what else dynasty has in store," Canady said.

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