Without any ado, Hymnodia stanza 8 started with a blast. The hymntestants sang a collective hymn, to appreciate the faculty for cancelling the hymnviction in the previous stanza. It was absolutely beautiful. The theme for the night was ‘hymns in mother tongue’. Hymnodia keeps surprising us with every stanza. Last stanza we were treated to original hymns, and now hymns in mother tongue? There seems to be no end to the surprises. `
Jemine set the house on fire with her performance of ‘Eyo Ninu Oluwa’ (Be glad in the Lord and rejoice), followed by Kenneth with ‘Ma W’oghweri Ma Konre (we plough the fields and scatter), Juliet- ‘Aha Jisus Di Ok’uto (How sweet the name of Jesus sounds), Uduak- K’ini Ukpong Mi Etide (When my soul remembers the love of God), Rachael- ‘Eje K’a F’inu Didun’ (Let us with a gladsome mind), Mobolanle-‘Mungode Maka, Ya Uba Allah Nmu’ (We thank you our Father and our Lord), Olumide-‘Ogo ni F’oluwa’ (To God be the glory), Blessing-‘Obim Tob’Eze Nk’Eligwe’ (Praise my soul the King of Heaven) and Abigael brought the house down with ‘Emi ‘Ba N’Egberun Ahon (Oh or a thousand tongues to sing).
It was nothing but explosive, listening to the hymntestants perform such wonderful hymns, with medleys and energetic dance moves. Indeed, they were in their elements– and they got everyone in the mood with them, both Judges and audience alike. Still in the spirit of the lenten season, there was no probation. The outstanding performances for the night came from Mobolanle, Rachael and Olumide.
The ASAPH award hangs over the head of every one of the 9 hymntestants. Who will win the grand prize?