Hymnodia, along the way has consistently proven itself to be something special and amazing. It is a show that encourages the art of praise, worship, spiritual devotion and upliftment. 6 stanzas gone now, and to say it has been amazing is an understatement. Abiodun, Rachael, David, Ayodeji, Rioja, Mobolanle, Jacob, Abigael, Kenneth, Olumide, Juliet and Udaukobong are the 14 Hynmtestants that made it into the Hymnstitute amongst hundreds of applicants. After receiving series of professional coaching, they finally made their debut at the fourth stanza. The judges were Ben Ogbeiwi, Dupe Ige Kachi, Sunday Olawuwo and Segun Owoaje.

For their debut performance, the Hymntestants were grouped into duos, this was to help them overcome stage fright, develop friendship amongst themselves and imbibe the spirit of team work. The pairing was as follows: Abiodun and Juliet, David and Rioja, Abigael and Olumide, Ayodeji and Jemine, Mobolanle and Blessing and the last group being Uduakobong, Kenneth and Rachael. This last group was a trio because, Jacob, one of the Hymntestants was absent as he had to go sit for his final medical examinations. The Hymntestants all outdid themselves as they all gave mind-blowing performances. At the end of the day, Abiodun and Juliet, Ayodeji and Jemine and Mobolanle and Blessing were put on probation, While David and Rioja were declared outstanding.

At the beginning of stanza 5, it was announced that Jacob would not be able to make it back into the Hymnstitute. As a result of this, the two Hymntestants with the lowest votes would have to battle for the free spot at the Hymnstitute — these were Blessing and Abiodun. At the end of a heated battle, Blessing was saved by the judges. The ‘elegant stallion’ Onyeka Onwenu was at the judges’ table, giving advice as only a veteran could. The main show began with each Hymntestant giving their all and bringing their best to the table. Abigael and Olumide were the two outstanding Hymntestants. Unfortunately, Rachael, Jemine, David, Uduak, Rioja and Ayodeji were put on probation with their fates in the hands of their voters. Rachael and Rioja got the lowest number of votes, but Rachael won the votes of the judges and got a save.

Stanza 6 was themed ‘Hymns on the Cross’ in honour of the Lenten season. We were treated to a wonderful time listening to classics like: Man of Sorrows, The Strive is O’er, Jesus Christ is Risen Today and many more. These hymns reminded us of the life, sufferings, death and resurrection of Christ. Here, we also learnt Ayodeji pulled out of the competition due to personal reasons, leaving 11 Hymntestants. Kenneth and Olumide were outstanding for the night. Probation was with a twist as the Hymntetstants were given a chance to suggest one Hymntestant for probation. The four Hymntestants put on probation were: David, Mobolanle, Jemine and Blessing.

We are so excited for stanza 7 already and it promises to be even better. We anticipate listening to the original hymns that would be composed by the Hymntestants— sure sounds like fun! However, the big question remains who will go home with the grand prize of the ASPHA award, a brand new car and a cash prize of 5 million Naira? Tune in to Hymnodia!