Arts

Locals headline Homecoming Gospel Explosion

Several students performed at the Gospel Explosion by singing or playing a instrument.  MEDIA RELATIONS/Courtesy photo

On Sunday, Oct. 27, GSU’s homecoming week kicked off with the Gospel Explosion. 

This  was a night to remember with GSU’s very own students as performers. 

JaMirakle Calep, a sophomore visual and performing arts major, performed ‘Better Days’ by Le’Andria Johnson. Calep is a veteran performer for this event who said that this was her favorite performance yet. Calep said she  thought that ‘Better Days’ would be the perfect song to sing at the Gospel Explosion, and it was.

“The atmosphere was great! The Spirit was flowing,” Darriell Herron, a junior majoring in elementary education, said. “My favorite performance was not really a performance. It was the ‘Alter Call’ at the end. That was a really good move coming from the MC. The feeling was nice. I believe we should have special guests for the Gospel Explosion like we do for the regular concerts though.” 

Herron was most excited for the comedy show and the concert. She looks forward to these events every homecoming and was elated about Steve Brown coming back this homecoming season. 

The GSU Concert Choir was buzzing with excitement for the members that would be performing at the Gospel Explosion once they returned from their performance with the Shreveport Symphony Orchestra only 45 minutes before the event started. 

Many students were also just returning from the college and Greek day held at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. This Sunday was packed with praise and worship for faculty and students.

Calep was not the only GSUJ Concert Choir member performing at the Gospel Explosion. Christian Williams also performed a beautiful rendition of ‘My God is Awesome.’ 

Williams, a sophomore majoring in business management, had never performed for the Gospel Explosion. 

“I was inspired to sing because singing is therapeutic to me and it is something I have always lived to do. I am a very shy person so I felt that it was time for me to step out of my comfort zone and I know this will only make it easier for me to perform for the next Gospel Explosion in the Spring,” Williams said.

Williams was inspired to sing ‘My God is Awesome’ because he knows that in any situation God will be a healer, deliverer, and protector because of all of the things He has helped him overcome in life.

MaKayla Robinson, a sophomore chemistry major, also had an outstanding time at the Gospel Explosions. Robinson’s favorite performance was the host performance with Michael Ridge and his backup singers. 

“In my opinion, the Gospel Explosion started Homecoming week off with positive and exciting vibes,” Robinson said. “Other Gospel Explosions usually have an artist or two but this gospel explosion was all about Grambling’s students. It gave them more of an opportunity to showcase their talents.”

Robinson was most excited about the concert happening at the end of the week. She was excited to meet Ari Lennox , and not only did she see her performance, but she also met her personally and got to take a picture with her.

The Gospel Explosion had a very intimate atmosphere this year. With it being heavily led by students, the crowd left the event refreshed and empowered and ready to have a wonderful homecoming week.