The Hymnodia grand finale was more than an event. It was a ceremony. After 10 engaging stanzas of uplifiting and exalting performances, we were finally at the Hymnodia Grand event.

Ben Okwiri, the Dean of the Hymnstitute was the Masters of Ceremony and his candour wore a confident fit the event deserved. As always, the judges remain Dupe Oge-Kachi, Sunday Olawuwo, Onyeka Onwenu, Seun Owoaje and Ajibola Bolaji– Rector and Choirmaster

The event proper kicked off with a Hymnviction, according to the Dean, the two Hymntestants with the lowest votes will battle for the final spot to compete with the remaining 3 contestants. As is Hymnodia tradition, the suspense was thick enough to be cut with a knife.

Rachel and Abigail were finally announced as the duo with the lowest votes and they had to battle it out. Rachel took a soothing approach to the well-known ‘It is Well’ hymn and Abigail performed a vocally-tasking rendition that pitched high into the heavens.

The judges admitted that it was the toughest battle they had to preside but there must be a winner, and the ASAPH must go to somebody’s house. After deliberation, Abigail was announced the victor and it was quite a moving moment to see Rachel leave.

This dramatic moment ushered us into the final contest.

Mobolanle sang a rendition of ‘I know that My Redeemer Liveth’. Wearing a red feathery dress almost as silky as her voice, her performance was enduring with a falsetto that rang through the halls. The applause was indeed well deserved.

Olumide, who had built quite a personality as a fan favourite performed Glory Glory Hallelujah. Dressed in a blue three-piece suit, his rendition was powerful and resounding and the audience howled endlessly for him.

Kenneth followed up with his personal spin on All Creatures of Our God and King. Just when you think Kenneth has reached the bottom of his vocal pitch, he plunges a bit lower to beautiful musical satisfaction. Simply put, Kenneth did justice to his rendition and upped the ante for the ante for the night.

Abigail’s performance. was humbling. Her voice, which is fit for opera was thunderous and the reception was befitting.

After these amazing performances, it finally came time to declare a winner for Hymnodia season 1. To be honest, we were all on the edge of our seats. One person will go home with the ASAPH, a brand-new car and 5 million naira. The past weeks had been building up to that moment and to say we were excited, was an understatement.

The Dean once again took to the stage and Abigail was announced the third runner up, Mobalanle was announced the second runner up and finally, Kenneth was declared the winner of Hymnodia Season 1!

It was a beautiful and emotional moment for the finalists and the past Hymntestants who trooped to the stage to celebrate with eachother. They had become more than Hymntestants, they are family. It was also an uplifting moment for we, the viewers. Truly, there were no losers as every single person who participated and attended Hymnodia went away with something tangible.

With this, we draw the curtain for the first season of Hymnodia. So much drama, so much suspense, so much praise and so much fulfilment.

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