Just as we thought we had seen and heard it all, stanza five of Hymnodia once again blows our socks off. Hymnodia is a competition aimed at developing the art of praise, worship and spiritual devotion. 14 Hymntestants are at the Hymnstitute, battling for the ASPHA award, a cash prize of 5 million naira and a brand new car.

At the end of stanza four, 6 Hymntestants were put up for probation, their only chance of escaping eviction was their ability to get the maximum number of votes required. Unfortunately, Abiodun and Blessing got the lowest number of votes and this was supposed to be the end of the road for both Hymntestants. So, it was with great surprise that the Hymntestants and audience received news from the Dean that Jacob— the absent Hymntestant would not be able to return to the competition.

Fortunately, we would be seeing his face next season, as he has been promised an entry. Hence, Abiodun and Blessing had to battle for the space left by Jacob’s absence. After a heated competition, with Blessing giving a beautiful rendition of ‘Sing Hallelujah to the Lord’ by Linda Stassen Benjamin and Abiodun with his performance of ‘Jesus Christ is risen today’ by Charles Wesley. The Judges took a vote and Blessing was eventually voted back in the Hymnistute.

Of note is the presence of veteran musician Onyeka Onwenu, “the elegant stallion” amongst the judges. She gave sage advice as one who had many years of experience tucked under her belt. The Hymntestants wowed us with their performances. The high sopranos, the low baritones and everything inbetween. We just cannot get enough of the sonorous voices and the mind blowing performances.

At the end of a brilliant show, Abigael, who sang ‘Lord enthroned in heavenly splendour’ by George Hugh Bourne and Olumide with ‘Sing hallelujah forth in duteous praise’ by John Ellerton’ were declared outstanding. Sadly, Rachael, David, Jemine, Uduak, Ayodeji and Rioja were put up for probation.

We hold our breaths till the next stanza, who would be evicted? what surprises would unfold in the next stanza? And most importantly, who would win the grand prize? Tune in to Hymnodia.