EJay Green III Finds Inspiration in Concert Moment, Sparking the Birth of Passion Fest
For EJay Green III, the founder of Passion Fest, the journey to creating one of North Carolina’s most anticipated Christian music events began with a single unforgettable moment. Earlier this year, Green attended a concert headlined by Christian rap artists Alex Jean and Childlike CiCi, a gathering filled with energy, worship, and powerful testimony. It was during this event that CiCi paused between songs to deliver a message that changed the course of Green’s life: “stop procrastinating and act on what God has told you to do.”
Those words resonated deeply. For Green, they were more than encouragement, they were confirmation. The vision of creating a space where faith, music, and culture collide had long been on his heart. That night’s atmosphere, alive with emotion and dynamic performances, reminded him how music can carry deep spiritual weight. From that moment, Passion Fest was born.
The concert that sparked the inspiration reflected the very heartbeat of what Passion Fest would aim to be, an arena where faith filled rap and testimony come together. Over recent years, Christian rap has been gaining momentum, breaking free of the margins and claiming space in broader music culture. Its blend of personal narrative, faith, social commentary, and contemporary sound resonates strongly with younger audiences who want substance in the music they consume. With beats that hit hard and messages that dig deep, artists in this genre are redefining what gospel can sound like for a new generation.
When Passion Fest launched, Green assembled a powerful lineup of Christian rap talent to match the intensity of that original concert experience. The confirmed artists include Childlike CiCi, DKG KIE, Mike Teezy, Blaze Bars, Kijan Boone, Toya Love, Briana Shanae, Jai Lynn, and S.B.G. The event will be hosted by DJ Nicki Nice. These voices bring a mix of styles and stories, from raw testimony and spiritual reflection to cultural commentary and lyrical craftsmanship.
At the show, the crowd will mirror the energy and passion that inspired Green. Young people will pour in, hands raised, rapping and singing along to songs about faith, struggle, redemption, identity, and hope. This is not just a concert, it is a cultural movement forming before their eyes. The gathering will offer a platform for expression, encouragement, and spiritual encounter in a format that feels authentic and relevant.
Passion Fest in Charlotte is more than a night of music, it is a statement of purpose. It shows younger generations that faith can live in the rhythms and language of contemporary culture. It invites them to see that God’s voice can be heard in the beats they love, and that their stories have space in the landscape of worship. What began as a single inspired moment in a concert now aims to create lasting impact, drawing people into a new conversation where faith meets art, culture, and community.
