Gratitude Concert Celebrates 9th Season: Twinsax lights up Ile-Ife with powerful April 25 performance

What started as a modest gathering on a university campus has transformed into a global wave of praise.

The Gratitude Concert Series, birthed in 2017 on the grounds of Oduduwa University, Ile-Ife, held its 9th season on Friday, April 25, 2025, drawing massive excitement and a spirit of celebration.

Convened by dynamic saxophone duo Twinsax, the concert has grown into the largest gospel concert on a Nigerian campus and now stands as a powerful symbol of unity, faith, and cultural expression.

Speaking after the event, Twinsax described the concert as more than just a musical event, calling it their “year of fulfilment.”

They noted that the 9th season was a testament to community, calling, and the continuity of the movement they started eight years ago.

Since its inception, the Gratitude Concert has evolved into a cultural and spiritual phenomenon where gospel music meets youthful energy and faith finds a resounding expression through rhythm and melody. Convened by Twinsax, identical twins whose passion for gospel music has been called both contagious and inspiring, the concert series has expanded from a university-based gathering to an international celebration of praise.

Reflecting on the buildup to the event, Twinsax said they had long envisioned expanding the Gratitude Concert to more Nigerian cities and had been confident that the energy around this year’s edition would exceed previous ones. They noted that although the concert date was fast approaching at the time, the team, audience, and the spirit behind the movement were “beyond ready.”

From Campus Halls to Global Stages
From its beginnings at Oduduwa University, the Gratitude Concert grew into a powerful campus tradition, consistently drawing massive crowds and featuring some of the most prominent names in gospel music. Twinsax said the concert was envisioned not only as a musical showcase but as a space of thanksgiving to God, offering a platform for music, poetry, drama, and the Word. Over the years, it won the hearts of thousands within and beyond Ile-Ife.

International editions of the Gratitude Concert have since taken place, including debuts in Cardiff in 2023 and Manchester in 2024. Twinsax explained that their sound, characterized by a distinctive blend of instrumental worship and youthful passion, resonated with audiences far beyond Nigeria. They also mentioned that they were planning further expansion into Wales and the University of Abuja.

According to the duo, the UK reception surpassed all expectations, with audiences connecting not just to the music, but to the message and movement behind the Gratitude Concert. They described the experience as both humbling and affirming, saying the testimonies from attendees confirmed their calling.

A Platform for Purpose, Emerging Artists, and Cultural Pride
Beyond their own performances, Twinsax emphasized that the Gratitude Concert has become a trusted platform for emerging gospel acts, showcasing artists who speak, sing, and perform from places of deep conviction. They noted that the concert is not just about music, but about celebrating God’s love, unity, and the fulfilment found in the gospel.

Blending traditional African elements with contemporary gospel sounds, the concert also serves as a celebration of cultural heritage, a fact Twinsax said made the Gratitude experience truly unique.

Their influence has reached audiences across Nigeria including cities like Ibadan, Lagos, Abuja, and Ilorin, where their blend of instrumental excellence and heartfelt worship has resonated with diverse congregations.

The Vision Behind the Sound
Asked about their broader vision, Twinsax reiterated that they see themselves not merely as entertainers but as ministers with a mission: to inspire, uplift, and unify through music. They spoke about their conviction that gospel music carries a power far beyond words.

They also reflected on the challenges since 2017, acknowledging the hurdles of logistics, funding, and the complexities of international expansion. Nonetheless, they maintained that every obstacle had been a stepping stone, and every concert a reminder that the mission was worth pursuing.

Mentorship and Musical Roots
Twinsax credited gospel saxophone legends Jerry Omole and Mike Aremu as key mentors who helped shape their musical journey. They said the guidance they received went beyond technical advice, helping them refine their purpose and deepen their commitment to their calling.

They explained that their deep-rooted interest in gospel music was born from their upbringing in a Christian home, where worship and music were central. They described the saxophone as their voice and gospel music as their language.

A Celebration of Fulfilment
With the 9th edition now successfully held, Twinsax expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support from friends, fans, and believers across the world. They said the level of excitement and participation this year had been surreal, with people from across continents engaging with the concert in person and online.

Looking back at the April 25th performance, Twinsax said they were convinced that Gratitude had once again achieved its mission to uplift, to unite, and to point hearts back to God.

As the Gratitude Concert continues its journey from Ile-Ife to the world, Twinsax reaffirmed their message: Gratitude is not just a concert, it is a movement, and the sound of gratitude will keep echoing across Nigeria and beyond.