Gospel musician Travis Greene in Kenya for big worship concert

Travis Greene and his wife Dr Jackie Greene.[Photo/Daniel Sparx]

Celebrated American gospel musician and pastor Travis Greene arrived in the country yesterday for his much-awaited concert slated for next week.

The artiste landed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Nairobi, yesterday morning, to a slight immigration hitch that saw him take four hours before he was cleared. An anticipated courtesy call to State House, Nairobi, did not take place as the singer headed to Mombasa where the performance will be taking place.

His early arrival caught many by surprise as it was initially indicated that he would be jetting in on Friday. Sources close to his team indicated that Greene opted to get here early so as to acclimatise and spend more time with his hosts and followers.

Made A Way (2015) single, Nara (2018), Be Still (2020) and Dependable (2021) are among the many songs that have become popular among his fans. A five-time Grammy Awards and 13-Stellar Awards nominee, Greene is popular in Kenya for his urban contemporary gospel and worship music that has seen him earn a following from millions of fans across all ages.

The concert organised by the International Christian Centre, Mombasa and dubbed 'Worship at the Gates' will feature the renowned singer and Forward City, a mission worship group that works with Greene and his wife Dr Jackie Greene across the world.

The visit that will see him perform on Jamhuri Day eve comes five years since his last visit here, where he had a show that got sold out.

Greene began his gospel music ministry in 2007 with the release of The More was recorded at Greenelight Records. His follow up release, Stretching Out, a studio album saw him go into the Billboard Top Gospel Albums charts with Still Here and Prove My Love climbing to No 17 and 29 respectively. In 2015, he released an extended play, International, that was placed No 3 on the Billboard Top Gospel Albums chart. International peaked at No 1 on the same chart.

Greene and his wife lead Forward City Church in Columbia, South Carolina.

Though loved by millions across the globe where he stages concerts attracting masses, in 2017, Greene received criticism for his decision to perform at President Donald Trump's inaugural ball.

This year has been one of the most active year in the singer's life with multiple hot releases from his new Tent Revival album among them Watch Him Turn It, Holy Only, Tent Revival, Set a Tent, Impossible, Near (Closer than Close) and Stay Here.