Michael Ogunkanmi Powers Festival of Praise 2025 and 2026 with Professional Sound Engineering

Introduction

When thousands of worshippers gathered at Manchester’s AO Arena for the Festival of Praise in 2025 and 2026, they experienced powerful worship and unforgettable performances. While the spotlight naturally fell on the artists and the atmosphere, the seamless sound that carried every note and lyric owed much to the meticulous work of Michael Ogunkanmi. As a professional sound engineer, Michael played a pivotal role in ensuring that both festival editions delivered an exceptional auditory experience that allowed worshippers and performers to connect fully without distraction.

Key Points

Background

The Festival of Praise is more than just a concert—it’s a dynamic worship experience that transitions between mass choir worship, full band performances, solo acts, and spoken-word segments. Held at Manchester’s AO Arena, the festival attracts thousands of worshippers eager to experience live performances by renowned artists such as Bidemi Olaoba, Dunsi Oyekan, Graham Kendrick, and FaithChild. The scale and complexity of this event require exceptional technical expertise to ensure that every element of the worship experience is delivered with clarity and precision.

Michael Ogunkanmi’s involvement in the festival spanned two consecutive years, where he took on multiple critical roles in the technical production team. His responsibilities ranged from RF technician duties to managing audio patch engineering, track engineering for both mass choir and headline acts, leading side-fill speaker systems, and overseeing a 20-person volunteer workforce. This comprehensive involvement made him an indispensable part of the festival’s success.

Analysis

Precision in a Complex Arena Setting

The Festival of Praise presents unique technical challenges due to its diverse format and the scale of the AO Arena. The event moves fluidly between different performance types, requiring constant adaptation of sound systems and monitoring setups. In such a live arena environment, technical control is crucial to maintain the quality and consistency of the worship experience.

Michael’s RF management was particularly critical in this setting. He maintained stable, interference-free wireless microphone systems despite the high number of channels and constant on-stage movement. This technical precision ensured that performers’ vocals reached both the audience and fellow artists without dropouts or interruptions, which is essential for maintaining the flow and emotional impact of worship sessions.

Organized Sound Behind the Scenes

Beyond wireless systems, Michael’s work in audio patching, stage routing, and labeling enabled quick artist changeovers without disruption. This organizational excellence is often invisible to the audience but is crucial for maintaining the momentum of a multi-act worship event. His side-fill speaker setup provided clear stage communication for performers, particularly for large choir sections, keeping everyone musically aligned and preventing feedback issues that could disrupt the worship experience.

Monitor Engineering for Mass Choir and Headliners

Monitor engineering for a mass choir represents one of live sound’s most challenging tasks. Michael delivered consistent, intelligible mixes that kept choir leaders, vocalists, and instrumentalists in sync throughout both high-energy worship and reflective moments. For headline artists, his track engineering provided comfort and confidence on stage, allowing performances to feel natural and expressive rather than constrained by technical limitations.

Leadership and Team Development

Beyond his technical skills, Michael demonstrated strong leadership by managing a team of 20 volunteers across stage and audio operations. His mentorship and calm leadership ensured that volunteers performed at professional standards under the pressure of live events. This focus on team development not only contributed to the immediate success of the festival but also helped grow the skills of emerging technical professionals in the worship and events industry.

Practical Advice

For event organizers planning large-scale worship events or concerts, Michael’s approach offers several valuable lessons:

1. **Invest in experienced technical leadership**: Having someone with Michael’s diverse skill set and experience can make the difference between a good and exceptional event.

2. **Prioritize RF management**: In complex events with multiple wireless systems, dedicate significant attention to RF coordination to prevent interference and dropouts.

3. **Develop volunteer teams**: Building and mentoring volunteer teams not only reduces costs but also creates a pipeline of skilled professionals for future events.

4. **Plan for quick changeovers**: Efficient audio patching and clear labeling systems are essential for maintaining event flow when multiple artists are involved.

5. **Focus on monitor mixes**: Clear, consistent monitor mixes are crucial for performer confidence and overall performance quality, especially in worship settings where musical cohesion is vital.

FAQ

Conclusion

Michael Ogunkanmi’s work at the Festival of Praise 2025 and 2026 exemplifies how professional sound engineering serves as the invisible foundation for exceptional worship experiences. His technical expertise, organizational skills, and leadership in managing both equipment and people ensured that thousands of worshippers could focus entirely on the music and message without being distracted by technical issues. In the world of live events, professionals like Michael demonstrate that the most impactful contributions are often those that go unnoticed by the audience—yet without them, the entire experience would fall short of its potential. His work stands as a testament to the vital role that skilled technical professionals play in creating meaningful, memorable worship events.