The organizers of the upcoming Awaken 2020 event made a surprise announcement this week: Kanye West and his Sunday Service choir would be performing the massive event in Tempe, Arizona on Jan. 18.
The event is from the somewhat controversial evangelist Lou Engle, who for decades has organized prayer, fasting and worship events like “The Call” which draw tens of thousands of young people.
Engle has also been a vocal advocate for some conservative social and political issues, including California’s Proposition 8, which sought to ban same-sex marriage.
On the Awaken 2020 site, they explain, “This January 18th, 2020 at Sun Devil Stadium in Phoenix, Arizona, it’s time for you to be part of the Jesus awakening that is shifting HISTORY. Open the door and enter into a new era, a new decade, of revival that is bringing a movement of signs and wonders, healing of the sick, and preaching of the gospel.”
In addition to performing, Kanye West is listed among the speakers at the event, which also include Cindy Jacobs, Eddie James, Jeremy Riddle, Brian “Head” Welch and others.
The event is free, but following the Kanye announcement, no more of the 50,000 passes are available.