The 2012 Gospel Fragrance & Music Therapy Festival Keeps with its track of Success!

The Success of the Gospel Fragrance & Music Festival noted by both Italians and Ghanaians has not always been because of the percentage of the high attendance but also on how people defy any form of harassing weather condition to make the date. This is why it came as no wonder when amidst non-stop rain, sub-zero temperatures, sudden snow and thunderstorms, and cold freezy weather condition which had clothed the day, the clouds which were not promising any bright weather could not stop the big success of the night. Once again, held at the illustrious San Barnaba Theatre, in the heart of the city of Brescia, on the 7th of December, 2012, the Gospel Fragrance & Music Therapy Festival hosted by TV host Rev.Dayana Adu and Rev.Nana Biney came out as one of the largest Gospel concerts in the north of Italy, thanks in part to the city of Brescia,s Recreation & Community Facilities and an incredible line up of talent. Spearheaded by visionary Rev.Dayana Adu Biney and Re.Nana Biney along with a strong support team of volunteers including Minister Christie Adu, Paolo Boldini, Maestro Arnaldo Macarini, Federico Abu, Ridge Biney, Curtis Biney, Tehillah Biney, and many others, this event quickly became the event to attend. It was in 1998 at the launch of Rev.Dayana Adu's second Gospel CD when Gospel Fragrance & Music Therapy Festival was first introduced in the city of Brescia.  With close to 500 in attendance, in an auditorium which could contain only about 200 people, the event turned out to be bigger and better than anyone expected. It showed the multicultural aspect of the people living in the city as never before. The room was overcrowded with Italians, Africans and Asians. It was a world of colours indeed. A sight of the heavenly Jerusalem. However another aspect of the festival changed with the presence of more Italian gospel groups participating in the festival and bringing the full meaning of worship to the audience. This is when the beneficiary aspect of the festival begun. It was in the year 2005. But this year was different, even as was prophesied by Rev.Dayana who kept on saying that, only God knew what to expect as the crowd swelled to see new and amazing national and International award winning groups, ensembles and soloists sing and give glory and honor to God. Unlike last year, the Gospel Festival showcased young and talented artist from the Ghanaian and Italian community including award winning artist Obed de Worshipper and Italy's new national lyric icon Daniel Rays.

Co-organiser, Rev.Nana Biney opened the festival delivering the welcome and thanked all that supported to make the concert a success and then the Gospel Fragrance Mass choir led by Rev.Dayana Adu was was ushered in to do the opening song "Our God is an awsome God". As part of the opening, Rev.Biney also presented a merit award to Mr. Paolo Boldini who has been the master of Ceremony for the festival for a decade. The night of worship then begun with another presentation of merits to Maestro Arnaldo Maccarini and Abu Federico, who also, have collaborated since the birth of the festival. A brief worship melody including "Adode nyinara" "Total Praise" and "It's me O Lord" were done by the Trio. Undoubtedly, this was indeed a night of worship, praise and thanksgiving. Known for her impeccable style and stage showmanship, Rev.Dayana again, did not disappoint as she and her Trio worshipped.  It was truly a special moment. She then called up stage Obed de Worshipper and honoured him with a merit award, thanking him for taking her name to where her body has never been and for his faithful service to the Gospel Fragrance Festival and then, did a song on his new CD with him. After she left the stage, Obed de worshipper threw the audience for a loop when he performed his hit songs, “Glory to God” that’s starting to show moment on the charts in Ghana. At about 10.00PM, the first gospel group stepped on stage…The Joyful Singers from Carrara.  Now recognized as one of the hottest performing groups at the yearly Fragrance Festival, they set the tone for the evening with great energy, a great sound and made it clear why they have been chosen for three consecutive times to perform at the Gospel Fragrance & Music Therapy Festival. After their performance it was non-stop energy with back to back singing, dancing, praising, shouting and giving God the Glory.  With Veteran Gospel artist Minister Becky Cuornooh's first appearance at the festival, once she was introduced, the crowd immediately began to wait with anticipation for her first note.  She was simply phenomenal. From her showmanship, professionalism, song selection to her over all presentation, Becky still have that crowd drawing power. Also performing, was one of Brescia's very own youth gospel group, "Amodonostro Gospel Choir" who were simply amazing. Asked what her sentiments was with regards to their first appearance at the festival, Artistic Director Francesca Bosetti, said: "we are thrilled to perform on the stages with gospel icons and national winning artist" and thank Rev.Dayana for giving us this opportunity." "The Gospel Fragrance & Music Festival, happens to be our very first important performing after forming our group eight years ago. Ghanaian-Italian national lyric Daniel Rays appearance on stage brought a heavenly silence as he did an incredible job with his strong high soprano core sound on "Halleluia" and "Alfa & Omega" to a heavily populated Italian audience. As the night was getting to a close, new partners of the Gospel Fragrance Friends Foundation were called up stage and honoured for caring to adopt children way back in Ghana at the Effia-Kuma mission. After some gave their personal testimonies to the pleasures and spiritual blessing gained in helping the needy through the Fragrance Foundation adoption scheme, an offering was taken, to be sent to the Christian Faith Preparatory School where most of the children attend. Tagged as the only Gospel Festival hosted by an African with a high attendance of Italians the Gospel Fragrance and Music Festival is an event that has made history. Excited about the success of the evening, Poalo Boldini, presenter for the evening said: As for next year, the “Gospel Music Festival will return.” However with a growing crowd, its location may have to be revisited. Also stopping through to show their support was Provincial Counsellor Dott.ssa Maria Ghandolfi, Dott.ssa Barbara Benetti, Dott.Car & Gian Luca of Cisal Caf, Rev. & Mrs Triumphant Ighedosa, Pastor Enoch Amegadze. Rev.Dayana extended her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who came out and supported the 14th Gospel Fragrance & Music Therapy Festival and humbly thanked them for their prayers and being in attendance. To Mayor Paroli and all the staff of his office she said no words can describe her appreciations for the granting her patronage of the event. She also thanked those who sponsored the event in cash or kind. a.a