"Britain's Got Talent" Semi-Finalist Performs at Baptist Youth Concert
October 2012
"Britain's Got Talent" semi-finalist Paul Gbegbaje gave a 'virtuoso performance' on the piano at a Sunday evening youth concert at a Baptist church in London
The gifted musician was one of the attractions at a concert organised by the young people of Barking Baptist Church, Essex on Sunday 28 October 2012.
In addition to demonstrating his musical ability, Paul spoke about his Christian faith and acknowledged that his talent came from God. He encouraged his youthful audience to make use of the talents that they had been given, while recognising the challenges that faced Christians working in the entertainment industry.
The twenty year old Barking-based pianist appeared on the same stage as the evening's other main attraction, the Nigerian born and London raised gospel rap artist Seun "S.O." Otukpe known as S.O. The Kid.
Other performers during the evening were drawn from churches and schools in Barking and Dagenham and other local boroughs. Contemporary dance played a major role in the evening with memorable performances from Shreeya Makwana and the twin sisters Teckisha and Aeysha.
The Baptist Church's own resident singing group started and closed the proceedings with contemporary gospel songs. They were joined on stage by the church's minister, Brazilian born Andre Oliveira, on lead guitar.
Young people from the church also performed a short play, highlighting the dangers of youth gang culture but stressing the possibility of forgiveness and new life offered by Jesus Christ.
The evening closed with the presentation of trophies to the young performers who had taken part, prayer, and a few closing words from Andre Oliveira.
The "Light Entertainment" concert was arranged as a follow up to an earlier youth concert organised in 2011 in the aftermath of the London riots to draw attention to the more positive aspects of youth culture.