Pat Uwaje-King’s brilliance on full display at ‘Maxlife Worship Night’

As far as vocal performances go, Pat Uwaje-King’s hypnotic vocals anchor the entire ministration, with the background choir and instrumentation seamlessly keeping pace.

By Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro

They say the hallmark of an artiste is in their live performances, and it is no surprise to see why that statement truly holds up. While studio releases and music covers allow musicians to carefully tinker and curate their sound under supervised mixing and mastering, live performances usher in another dimension into the mix: live audiences who will react and respond to your stage presence away from the four-walled, comfortable studio sessions.

This seeming inclusion to an artiste repository is one of the key ingredients that distinguishes a seasoned artiste from a regular performance. West Africa, home to some of the best musicians, isn’t in short supply of artistes who have mastered the act of performing live in different locations.

However, one name that consistently comes up in these conversations is the Ibadan-born singer, compose, vocalist, and songwriter, Pat Uwaje-King, whose live ministration at Maxlife Worship Night at the New Wine Church in London—on the occasion of its 30th anniversary— with thousands of attendees, was an immersive experience in its own right.

New Wine Church, located in Woolwich, London, is a prominent Christian non-denominational organisation renowned for its extensive ministry and outreach. From its beginnings at Gateway House in London, it has expanded to 18 branches across eight countries, including the UK, Bulgaria, Brazil, Nigeria, Germany, Uganda, Luxembourg, and Côte d’Ivoire.

The church is dedicated to helping individuals discover, develop, and utilise their unique talents and God-given potential in service to their faith and community.

The church attracts a diverse congregation, with members originating from countries such as Ghana, India, Nigeria, Jamaica, Sri Lanka, and South Africa. It is also deeply involved in community services, offering programmes focused on education, food distribution, health, and well-being. Through its New Wine International Ministry, the church extends its reach further via digital broadcasts and music streaming.

In London, New Wine Church continues to host services and community events at its Woolwich location, serving as a centre for spiritual growth and community engagement. It is within this vibrant ecosystem that is in the backdrop for Pat Uwaje-King’s performance at Maxlife Worship Night.

Born and raised in Ibadan, Nigeria, Pat Uwaje-King is a dynamic gospel artiste celebrated for her powerful vocals, prolific songwriting, and electrifying stage presence. A graduate of the University of Lagos with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Arts, she rose to prominence as a member of the iconic gospel group, Midnight Crew, which achieved international acclaim with cross-continental hits such as “Igwe” and “Kene Jesu”.

Beyond her achievements with the now-defunct group, Pat has established herself as a seasoned solo artiste, releasing her debut studio album, He’s Done Me Well in 2015. The critically-acclaimed 15-track project includes memorable songs like “Eze”, “All Power”, and the titular track, “He’s Done Me Well”. Her subsequent releases, including her 2023 sophomore album, Amazing Grace,  have further cemented her reputation as a trailblazer in gospel music.

Pat Uwaje-King’s contributions extend beyond music production and performance. She is the founder of the ‘DELTA YADAH’ concert series, which began in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria, in 2010 under the guidance of the David King Gospel Music Foundation. This initiative combines praise concerts with impactful community projects and provides a platform for discovering and nurturing musical talent.

As the Principal Consultant at GPK Music Limited, Pat continues to support the gospel music industry through her experience in music and event production. Known for her industrious nature, creativity, and collaborative spirit, she remains a shining example of excellence in gospel artistry.

Her performance at the Maxlife Worship Night also bears mentioning, as it significantly contributes to her remarkable repertoire of live ministrations. She opens her set with a brief exhortation, her signature sonorous vocals as radiant as ever. Her commanding presence immediately captures attention, and it’s no surprise that the audience in the hall had risen to their feet even before she begins her performance.

With their attention focused and fixed, and over slow-tempo looped kicks and striking chords, she begins her worship session with the short refrain, “All the glory belongs to You”. It is pointedly resonant, as it calls to mind Bible verses like 1 Chronicles 29:11-13, Ephesians 3:20-21, and Romans 11:36, which admonishes us to give glory to God for our earthly accomplishments, acknowledging that it is by his provision and mercy that we have been able to experience them.

She transitions to her native Yoruba, chanting ‘Gbogbo agbara, gbogbo ogo’, which roughly translates to ‘All power, all glory’. There’s something profoundly moving about offering adoration to the divine in one’s native language; it carries a certain weight and depth of meaning as the over two thousand attendees groove to the music.

In the same vein, she segues into a slow rendition of her 2016 hit single, “Thank You Lord”, adding another layer of emotion and depth to the song. As far as vocal performances go, Pat Uwaje-King’s hypnotic vocals anchor the entire ministration, with the background choir and instrumentalists seamlessly keeping pace.

When the worship session ends, and she transitions into praise, the audiences are already hooked. Mid-tempo looped percussion, combined with groovy basslines, electric guitar plucks, assist her as she delivers her a live rendition of her 2015 praise sensation, “All Power”, which keeps everyone dancing and singing.

She effortlessly transitions into “Thank You Lord”, maintaining the sonic and thematic essence that has made the record so memorable. By the time the familiar instrumentation of the classic “Igwe” begins, the celebration in the hall reaches a fever pitch.

“Igwe” has held a powerful grip on West Africans for over a decade, and witnessing its enduring appeal across the continent is a remarkable testament to its timelessness. She navigates through different classic praise numbers, with local talking drums weaving in, infusing her performance with a touch of local brilliance.

Pat Uwaje-King’s performance at the Maxlife Worship Night is exceptional because it intersects spirituality, artistry, and her cultural identity in a way that truly holds up. Throughout her performance, she showcases a unique ability to connect with the audience while delivering an immersive experience. As she continues to build on her remarkable legacy, Pat Uwaje-King remains a shining example for other gospel acts to emulate.

Emmanuel ‘Waziri’ Okoro is a content writer and journalist with an insatiable knack for music and pop culture.