The epic event that drew many Africans and friends from all over New England took place at CCF Ministries in Lowell, with donations scheduled to be shipped to victims of the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak in various West African countries.

The artists who donated their talents free of charge for the charitable cause included Zenzo Matoga of United Night of Worship, Lukus Simari, Uganda’s David Makumbi, Kenya’s Wangari Fahari, Pastor Ruth Choate of New England Pentecostal Ministries based in Pelham, NH as well as the NEP choir.

 During the event, over $7,000 was raised and a huge stock of medical supplies was donated by various organizations like Lowell General Hospital, Lowell Health Alliance, and Mt. Hope Christian Center.

The donations  are set to be shipped to specific regions in affected countries in  West Africa in the coming weeks through MSF, a humanitarian organization that  is currently at the forefront  of fighting the deadly  epidemic that has claimed over 8,000 lives to date,  leaving thousands more weakened and  ailing.

Wangari Fahari and husband, Paul Thibeault

“This was great. I have never seen anything like it. It is amazing how the body of Christ came together and made the day a great success,” said Rev. Raffoul Najem, pastor of CCF Ministries, and chairman of the event’s organizing committee.

So outstanding was the quality of the entertainment that guests responded with standing ovations and thunderous applause as each of the performers delivered two hits each.

However, an exception to the two song rule took place as the charged up crowd demanded an extra song from Lukus Simari, who together with a musical partner, David Makumbi, brought the crowd to their feet with a high energy performance delivered hip hop style.

Eager and willing to contribute their talents to the charitable cause, the artists’ performances helped set a perfect stage for the African community and friends who came from far and wide to unite and do something tangible as a community.

First on stage soon after opening prayers delivered by Rev. Jeremiah Menyongai of the Christ Jubilee International Ministries was the CCF Ministries’ worship band.

Then, Wangari Fahari, a youthful Kenyan female artist who specializes in world acoustic and Afro-Jazz music, took to the stage.

 Once under the tutorship of the late Miriam Makeba, the legendary African soul queen, Wangari performed two Swahili hits, among them a recent self-composition specifically for the Ebola crisis event.

Pastor Ruth Choate,extreme left, together with the Citywide church choir

Backed by her guitar strumming husband Paul Thibeault, Wangari’s sweet melodies moved the diverse multi- cultural crowd.

Half way into her second Jazz hit “Imacule” in a cry for the suffering Ebola victims, the crowd started clapping along to the soulful hit despite the Swahili ethnic language lyrics not understood by all present.

Wangari was followed by Pastor Ruth Choate, wife of Bishop Stanley Choate, a concert organizing committee member from New Eng;and Pentecostal Ministries.

Pastor Choate performed a moving gospel worship hit that also brought the crowd on its feet in appreciation.

The pastor later was to return on stage as a member of the NEP choir complete with a band that performed two highly uplifting hits.

CCF Church band

However, it was the duet performance by Lukus Simari and Uganda’s David Makumbi that marked the highlight of the event.

Backing one another in the performance, Simari and Makumbi lit up the hall, drawing all to their feet.
Children, men and women, including the older folks danced vigorously to Simari’s “Loving You” hit and “Baba,” a Swahili production best loved by the east African community.

Simari’s performance resonated so much that the audience instantly demanded him to do another song.

When he got back up on stage, the man did not disappoint. He belted out another popular hit single “I Know Who I Am” driving the crowd into a wild delirium. He thanked the largely African community crowd for the support.

“Africa has been home to me. It was an honor to help raise money and awareness with my gift of music. 
That’s what you do with gifts. You give them,” Simari, who toured Kenya and Uganda last year for several performances, told Ajabu Africa News in a post event interview. 

Zenzo Matoga

Thanking all who responded to the call and attended the concert in aid of Ebola victims in West Africa, Bishop Stanley Choate said that it was a good thing to see Africans in the Merrimack region come together.

Pastor Wilmot Dennis from Emmanuel Temple of Hope Ministries closed the event with a benediction.

L to R: Bishop Stanley Choate, pastor Ruth Choate, Rev. Jeremiah Menyongai, pastor Faimata Menyongai ( partially hidden, Pastor Wilmot Dennis (black suit) together with other pastors and guests enjoy the music.