Wichita Riverfest officials had a great announcement – or at least they thought they did – when they announced Gospel music legend Marvin Sapp as the headliner for this year’s Gospelfest to be held the evening of Mon., June 2, from 5 to 10 p.m.
After working for months to finalize Sapp’s contract, little would Wichita Festival, Inc., officials know how badly-timed their announcement would be.
The Viral Slam
The original video clip, which began making the rounds on various platforms, shows Sapp requesting a $20 offering from what seems to be attendees at a church service. He tells the ushers to “close the doors” and sets a fundraising goal of $40,000.
As the video blew up on X and TikTokkers remixed it with their hot takes, any context evaporated — leaving only the optics of a spiritual shakedown.
“The online firestorm over a video of Bishop Marvin Sapp during a fundraising appeal has become a case study in how social media’s speed leaves no room for nuance — and spreads dangerous misinformation. It has also sparked reflections about transparency in church giving and the realities of church hurt,” wrote Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware, in an article she wrote for the online site Word in Black.
Misrepresentation and Assumptions
However what wasn’t shared as the video went viral is that it’s a July 2024 clip from the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World International Summer Convention with 4,000 attendees — not Sapp’s church — and PAW asked Sapp to raise money to defray the convention costs.
The presiding prelate of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World, Inc., confirmed they had asked Sapp to conduct the free-will offering and noted that closing doors ”is an internal security protocol that was, unfortunately, taken out of context. No doors were locked and no one was held in the room against their will. We do not force or coerce anyone into supporting the operations of our organization.”
“Marvin Sapp started playing on my pandora and now my car doors won’t unlock”
a facebook commentator
A Wichita Voice Facebook commentator questioned, “Will he hold everyone hostage until they give him $40k?”
But another Voice commentator was quick to respond with, “It makes me sad when we mock our own. It’s how we surrender the progress earned through the unifying work of the SCLC and those who risked and even lost their lives to demand right.”
Yet, despite these explanations, the memes, jokes, criticisms, and conspiracy theories continued to swirl online. “Marvin Sapp started playing on my pandora and now my car doors won’t unlock,” one Facebook commenter quipped.
Threats on Sapp
“People have called my church and cussed me out,” Sapp said. “My staff are afraid because I’ve received death threats over $20 and ‘shut the door.’ People have come to our campus — they have come to my church to try to cause problems, issues, challenges.”
Sapp believes the extreme reaction is due to people who have “been church hurt” and “that’s the reason why they have a certain level of vitriol and bitterness as it pertains to the church.”
“People have called my church and cussed me out.”
Marvin Sapp
Sapp is known for his chart-topping hits and spirit-filled performances. A multi-award-winning gospel singer, songwriter, and pastor, Sapp has built an incredible legacy over the years.
With timeless songs like Never Would Have Made It, The Best in Me, and My Testimony, Sapp’s music has become the soundtrack to many people’s faith journeys. His ability to merge powerful lyrics with moving melodies has earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Stellar and Dove Awards.
More on Riverfest 2025
Sapp completes the mainstage lineup for Wichita Riverfest. The rest of the daily concert headliners were announced earlier this month and included multi-platinum rapper and hitmaker Flo Rida, who will be the headliner on Sat., May 31.
Wichita Riverfest 2025, Kansas’ largest outdoor celebration, is a nine-day festival offering a diverse array of activities, including live music performances, cultural events, food vendors, and river-related activities along the Arkansas River. Attendees can enjoy concerts featuring national and local artists, parades, fireworks displays, and family-friendly entertainment, all accessible with the purchase of a festival button.
Get ready to turn up the energy with Flo Rida who will also bring his signature blend of hip-hop, pop, and party anthems to the heart of Wichita.
With smash hits like Low, Right Round, My House, and Good Feeling, Flo Rida has dominated the charts and electrified audiences worldwide. He’s known for his infectious beats and high-energy performances, and should deliver a concert experience that will keep the crowd on their feet. .
This year Rivefest adult buttons are $15 and child buttons (ages 6-12) are $10.children 5 and under are free. Limited VIP special seat tickets to both Sapp and Flo Rida concerts are available for $30 on Eventbrite.
