King’s House to Come Alive with Michael W. Smith, Papa San

An impressive cast of gospel artistes, led by internationally acclaimed singer Michael W. Smith and former dancehall star-turned-gospel minister Papa San, is set to headline Come Alive: A National Call to Worship today at the King’s House East Lawn.

The seven-hour worship experience, scheduled for 3 p.m. to 10 p.m., will also feature performances from Jermaine Edwards, Johnmark Wiggan, Petra-Kaye and HUMBLE, with Audience of One and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission Gospel Star finalists set to deliver pre-show performances.

For Papa San, who will be making his first Kingston performance in many years, the event represents both a return home and an opportunity to minister through music.

“Returning to Kingston is an amazing thing, and I’m looking forward to [having] a really good time,” Papa San said.

“It’s been some years I haven’t been there … the last time I was in St Mary and before that I was in Montego Bay. Kingston is one of our main place. We are getting some song request already … some people want to tek us back through memory lane, going back from the first album all the way up. We have new stuff as well. I’m looking forward to an awesome time … just to come to be a blessing.”

Led by Eric Hosin, the Come Alive team has curated a line-up designed to bring together worship, music and community, while supporting charitable causes. After expenses, all proceeds from the event will go to charity.

For Papa San, that mission is one of the reasons he is grateful to be part of the event.

“Just to see a big part of the proceeds going to charities is a tremendous blessing, and I’m truly blessed to be a part of it,” the gospel minister said. He and his wife pastor Our Father’s Kingdom International Ministries in Sunrise, Florida.

Hosin promises an upgraded experience for this year’s staging, with a bigger stage, improved sound, enhanced screens, transportation, parking and a shuttle system in place. Last year, the concert generated $30 million in net proceeds, all of which went to charity.

Among the main beneficiaries for 2026 is the Anglican Church-run Clifton Boys’ Home in Westmoreland, which was devastated by Hurricane Melissa last October. Other beneficiaries include the Bustamante Hospital for Children, the Open Door Foundation, the Governor General’s Programme for Excellence, and the Students’ Christian Fellowship and Scripture Union.

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