The first physical rehearsal of the Osun Praise Mass Choir took place at St. John’s Anglican Church, Itaolokan, Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria. The event was well-attended, with over 80 people present, including the Osun Praise Committee, led by the Bishop’s representative, Ven. Engr. Olalekan Salami, and the Committee Chairman, Rev. Canon Adekunle. The rehearsal, which began at 1:30 PM and concluded at 5:00 PM, saw volunteers arriving enthusiastically. Throughout the session, the selected songs for the event were rehearsed, and the volunteers were grouped into different musical parts to enhance their training.

Leading the mass choir management team was Rev. Canon Adeleke, alongside a group of experienced trainers such as Dr. Adeolu Akeredolu, Mr. Seun Agboola, Prince Adediran Haastrup, Mr. Wale Odetoyinbo, and Mr. Akinwunmi Ojediran, supported by other organists present. These professionals played a significant role in making the first rehearsal of the proposed 150-member Osun Praise Mass Choir a reality. Over 60 volunteers, who had registered their interest via the Osun Praise website, participated in this physical meeting. It is anticipated that the number of volunteers will continue to grow as awareness of the event spreads.

During the rehearsal, volunteers were also exposed to the details of the hymns selected for the concert. These include:

• Hymn Tune Medley
• Gloria in Excelsis (Mozart)
• Oluwa, Iwo Ti N Se Ibujoko Wa
• Te Deum: Awa Yin O

Ven. Olalekan Salami, representing the Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Dr. Folusho Olugbenga Babatunji, extended warm greetings from both the Bishop and Mama Margaret Mofoluwake Babatunji. He encouraged the volunteers to remain committed and focused as they prepare for the upcoming state-wide worship concert, Osun Praise, scheduled for Friday, December 20, 2024, at the Technical College Sports Ground, Oke-Fia, Osogbo. He emphasized that the purpose of this event is to glorify God, with the hope that He will bless Osun State and bring favor upon its people.

Osun Praise is envisioned as a powerful interdenominational worship concert that seeks to unite Christians from across the state in a night of praise, prayer, and thanksgiving. With a lineup of choral performances, gospel music, and spiritual activities, the concert aims to invoke God’s presence in Osun State, praying for His grace and blessings upon the land.