Manchester’s AO Arena came alive for the Festival of Praise in 2025 and again in 2026, drawing thousands of worshippers eager to experience live performances by artists like Bidemi Olaoba, Dunsi Oyekan, Graham Kendrick, and FaithChild.

While the spotlight naturally fell on the music and atmosphere, the seamless sound that carried every note and lyric across the vast arena owed much to the meticulous work of Michael Ogunkanmi.

Michael served in multiple technical roles, including RF technician, audio patch engineer, monitor engineer for both mass choir and headline acts, side-fill speaker systems lead, and supervisor of a 20-person volunteer team. His work ensured professional polish and sonic clarity throughout both festival editions.

Precision in a Complex Arena Setting
The Festival of Praise is more than a concert. It moves between mass choir worship, full band performances, solo acts, and spoken-word segments, all in a live arena environment where technical control is crucial.

Michael’s RF coordination kept wireless microphones stable and interference-free, despite the high number of channels and constant on-stage movement.

This allowed performers’ vocals to reach both the audience and fellow artists without dropouts or interruptions.

Organised Sound Behind the Scenes
Michael’s responsibilities went beyond wireless systems. He managed audio patching, stage routing, and labelling, enabling rapid artist changeovers without disruption.

His side-fill speaker setup provided clear stage communication for performers, particularly large choir sections, keeping everyone musically aligned and avoiding feedback issues.

Monitor Engineering for Mass Choir and Headliners
Monitor engineering for a mass choir is one of live sound’s toughest challenges. Michael delivered consistent, intelligible mixes that kept choir leaders, vocalists, and instrumentalists in sync during high-energy worship and reflective moments.

For headline artists, his monitor work provided comfort and confidence on stage, allowing performances to feel natural and expressive rather than constrained by technical limitations.

Leadership and Team Development
Beyond technical skills, Michael led a team of 20 volunteers across stage and audio operations.

His mentorship and calm leadership ensured the volunteers performed at professional standards under the pressure of live events.

This focus on team development helped grow the skills of emerging technical professionals while contributing to the immediate success of the festival.

A Quiet Force Behind the Experience
While audiences remember the music and message, the flawless sound across the 2025 and 2026 festivals highlighted the crucial role of expert technical leadership.

Michael Ogunkanmi’s work shows how disciplined, visionary sound engineering can be an invisible yet essential force, allowing artists and worshippers to connect fully without distraction.