NAIROBI -  A month after we initally reported, we can now confirm that Israel Houghton is coming to Nairobi in August 2010. The famed multi-award winning US-based worship leader will be headlining a VIP show on 14th August 2010 at a venue to be determined. Tickets will be selling at Kshs 2000. He will then perform at a free all-day-long concert on the 15th at Uhuru Park which will start at 10am. Joining Israel will be Ron Luce, the founder of Teen Mania Ministries and is best known in Kenya as host on TBN's Acquire the Fire program. He is also the brains behind the hugely popular Acquire the Fire and BattleCry concert series held across major U.S cities every year.

Israel Houghton is also the praise and worship leader of Lakewood Church in Houston, the World's Largest Church, under pastor Joel Osteen. He has also served as worship leader for the Promise Keepers and Champions for Christ events, as well as the Hillsong Conference from 2006 - 2008. He has five solid albums under his belt including Real released in 2002, Double disc CD Live from Another Level (2004), A Deeper Level (2007), The Power of One (2009) and Alive in South Africa (2005), one of the few U.S artists to ever record a live album in Africa. In 2006, T.D Jakes chartered a flight to Nairobi with a 300-strong entourage of the Potter's House Mass Choir and produced Kenya's first live recording Grace: Live in Kenya.

Israel's music has been the staple praise and worship in churches across Nairobi. Some of his works include Friend of God, We have Overcome, All Around and Alpha and Omega among numerous others including the reggaeton themed track With Long Life featuring rapper T-Bone.

Ron Luce has been organizing the BattleCry and Acquire the fire concert series that sees tens of thousands of teens in every show. This year's featured artists include Canton Jones and Australia based youth band Hillsong United. Ron passionately declares the truth of the Gospel without compromise as he challenges teenagers to take a stand for Christ in their schools, communities, and throughout the world.  Raised in a broken home, Ron ran away at the age of 15 and became involved in drug and alcohol abuse before finding Jesus at the age of 16. The life-transforming impact of Christ inspired Ron to dedicate his life to reaching young people. He also serves as an advisory member for the US government's Commission and Drug Free Communities.

Awards
2005  Stellar Awards Male Vocalist of the Year for Live from Another Level
2005  Stellar Awards Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year for Live from Another Level
2004  Dove Awards CD of the Year for Live from Another Level
2004  Dove Awards Contemporary Gospel Song of the Year for Again I Say Rejoice
2006  Grammy Awards Best Traditional Gospel Album for Alive in South Africa
2008  Grammy Awards Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for A Deeper Level
2010  Grammy Awards Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for The Power Of One

We all know that most international acts do not travel alone and it will be interesting to see who will tag along to this life changing event dubbed One Cry - Israel Houghton Live in Kenya. The show has been organized by Moja Voyce. Check out the poster here.