Christianity has been growing steadily for decades in parts of Africa. Johannus Orgelbouw has also benefited from that growth: the number of requests for organs has risen sharply.
The Christian faith seems to be experiencing a particular surge in countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa – at least judging by the number of Johannus organs being ordered for use in these countries!
We installed a hybrid organ in the Mfantsipim Senior High School, a prestigious school in Ghana whose graduates include former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. We recently installed Monarke organs in Calvary Methodist Church and in Ridge Church in Accra, which is also in Ghana.
Nigeria also showing growth
The number of orders from Nigeria also increased. Johannus supplied six very sizable organs at the end of last year, within a limited time frame. The counter had reached ten by the first quarter of 2015. The Johannus installation team handled on-site organ installation in the cities of Jos and Lagos in recent months, as well as other locations.
The fact that Christianity plays an increasingly significant role in Africa, especially in the former English colonies, has an impact that can be felt deep into the Johannus studio. The lingering effects of transplanted English culture include a Methodist presence. This Protestant denomination is an offshoot of the Church of England or the Anglican Church. The congregational singing of hymns as practiced in Methodist churches sounds wonderful when accompanied by a good organ.
New showroom in Ghana
Due to the growing interest in our organs on the African continent, a Johannus showroom will shortly be opening in Accra, the capital city of Ghana. The showroom will be combined with a music school where African organists can be trained on the spot.