Gospel ministers to stage Ezer benefit concert at NCU

Music ministers Adrian Walker, Gamel Grant, and David Pryce have joined forces for a worthy cause. Their goal is to support students of the Northern Caribbean University (NCU) who have been severely affected by Hurricane Melissa and are struggling to cover their tuition fees.

Walker, Grant, and Pryce have organised a benefit concert, with a portion of the proceeds going directly towards the students’ school fees. Additionally, part of the proceeds will be used to retrofit a studio at NCU Media, providing a space for students and ministers to record and hone their craft.

And in an inspiring twist, they have established “a movement that’s more than a movement”. It is a mission called Ezer, and the concert is also called Ezer.

On Saturday, September 26, Ezer, which is described as “a concert experience of purpose”, unfolds at the NCU Gymnatorium in Mandeville and features headliners Johnmark Wiggan and Petra-Kaye, Gamel Grant, the Lumsden Sisters, Osanna Praise, Humble, Testify, Hilkiah Jones, Carey Sayles, and Key Influence Ministry. Notably, this concert was planned for earlier in the year, but the then-headliner, Stephen Manders, had to undergo surgery, and the event was postponed.

But delayed is not denied, and the team bounced back with a line-up of gospel acts that speaks to the wealth of talent across the island.

“We remain committed to delivering an experience that honours our mission,” Walker, who leads the Osanna Praise ministry, told The Gleaner.

Positively transform lives

Addressing Ezer’s goals, he explained: “Through the establishment of Ezer, we aim to create a sustainable avenue for giving back rather than offering only temporary assistance. We recognise that our ministry should extend beyond music and positively transform lives, so we decided to combine our talents, influence, resources, and networks to provide meaningful support.”

The three gospel ministers emphasise that their partnership reflects the belief that unity strengthens impact and that by working together, they could restore hope, ease financial burdens, and assist affected students to continue their education.

“Ultimately, our decision was grounded in faith, service, and a genuine desire to use our ministry as an instrument of healing, empowerment, and positive change,” Pryce declared.

And that led them to “ezer”, which is a Hebrew word that means “help” or “helper”, but in the biblical context, it denotes strength and rescue. Many times when “ezer” is used in the Hebrew Bible, “it describes God as a rescuer, deliverer, or strong shield for humanity in times of crisis”.

The Ezer Events Team put it this way: “Ezer is not just a word … it’s a reminder, it’s a movement, it’s a declaration of hope. It means you are supported. It means you are strengthened. It means you are never walking alone. In a world that tries to wear us down, Ezer reminds us to rise. This is bigger than an event. This is a community of faith, healing, and purpose.”

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com