Shabach Encounter Lights Up Lagos And Beyond

Sola Cymbal will keep the Maryland, Lagos area in a lovely mood on Sunday as she leads several Gospel singers in a special style concert

There have been several gospel concerts in Lagos and beyond, but Sola Cymbal has arrived in town from England, leading numerous other singers in what she says is an extraordinary praise session that achieves the ultimate victory.

The young mother of three has been in the city for a fortnight to ensure that everything is perfected for a date many people have been waiting for since last year. The event will be held at the Elevation Church in Maryland.

We asked Sola what Shabach Encounter was all about and different from other Gospel musical events.

She said, “Shabach Encounter is more than a Gospel concert – it is a spiritual gathering designed for deep worship, prophetic praise, and divine encounter. The word ‘Shabach’ (from Psalm 149:6) means a loud, triumphant praise that releases victory, and that is the atmosphere we cultivate.

“Unlike many gospel music events that focus mainly on performance and entertainment, Shabach Encounter is intentionally structured around three core dimensions: Worship, Warfare, and Witness (3W). It is a place where people don’t just listen – they participate, engage, and encounter God in a personal and transformative way.”

Sola Cymbal adds, “There is a strong emphasis on: Spiritual impact over performance, corporate praise as a weapon of victory; and creating an atmosphere where lives are changed, burdens are lifted, and faith is strengthened. It is, in essence, a movement of praise with purpose, not just music.”

This event could have been held in Abuja, Ibadan, or Asaba, but Lagos was picked intentionally.

“Lagos was chosen strategically because it is a melting pot of people, cultures, and influences – a city with both spiritual hunger and a strong platform for impact. Hosting Shabach Encounter in Lagos allows us to reach a diverse and large audience and, of course, maximise visibility and accessibility for attendees across Nigeria and beyond.

“That said, the vision is not limited to Lagos. This is just the beginning. By God’s grace, future editions can extend to cities like Ibadan, Abuja, and even internationally.”

Just like any other event, there are targets and expectations for this assembly.

“The goal of Shabach Encounter 2.0 goes beyond numbers, but we are trusting God for a gathering of over 1,200 to 1,500 attendees united in praise and worship.

“We expect to get lives transformed through a genuine encounter with God; an atmosphere of intense praise that brings spiritual breakthroughs and a platform for unity across different churches, backgrounds, and generations,” Sola, a member of the Rhema Chapel family, explained.

And she means every word said.

“We are also intentional about community impact, including plans to provide support such as refreshments and practical expressions of love during the event.

Ultimately, success for us is not just attendance – it is testimonies. When people leave strengthened, healed, uplifted, and closer to God, then the mission has been fulfilled.”
The event starts at 2pm.