Shows and musical competitions are not such an alien concept. These days, we see all sort of shows spring up, but you will agree with me if I say there has never been any quite like Hymnodia. Hymnodia is a show that encourages the art of worship and hymns. After a series of audition and screening, David Onwukwe, Juliet Nwabia, Uduak Akpan, Mobolanle Oladimeji, Dada Olumide, Rachael Darley, Blesing Agu, Jemine Edukugho, Kenneth Ekhuemelo, Jacob Okwori, Abigael Nnadi, Rioja Rio Opia, Abiodun Aribo were the 15 Hymntestants that made it into the Hymnstitute.

 

The Hymntestants made their debut at the 4th stanza. It was their first time performing on the Hymnodia stage, After series of training at the Hymnstitute. Experienced and seasoned musicians graced the Judges seats, the four judges were Sunday Olawuwo, Dupe Ige, Seun Owoaje and Ben Ogbeiwi. For this stanza, the Hymntestants were required to sing the hymns assigned to them to particular tunes.

 

Also, they were grouped into duos. This was to help them develop confidence and friendship amongst themselves. They were paired as follows: Abiodun and Juliet, David and Rioja, Abigael and Olumide, Ayodeji and Jemine, Mobolanle and Blessing and the last but not the least group was Uduak, Kenneth and Rachael. At the end of a beautiful night David and Rioja’s performance were declared the best for the stanza. While, the duos of Abiodun and Juliet, Mobolanle and Blessing and Ayodeji and Jemine were put on probation.

 

At the beginning of stanza 5, Blessing and Abiodun were called out as the Hymntestants with the lowest number of votes. It was to be the end of the road for them, but there was a twist. Jacob, an absentee Hymntestant, who could not make it due to unavoidable reasons was dropping out of the competition. As a result, Blessing and Abiodun had to battle it out for the vacant space. At the end of the battle, the judges decided to save Blessing. Seated at the judges table was the “elegant stallion” Onyeka Onwenu amongst Dupe Ige, Sunday Olawuwo and Ben Ogbeiwi. The Hymntestants all gave wonderful performances of which, Abigael and Olumide were outstanding. However, Rachael, David, Jemine, Uduak, Ayodeji and Rioja were unfortunately put on probation.

 

Stanza 6 was themed ‘Hymns on the cross’ in honour of the Lenten season. Ayodeji, one of the Hymntestants pulled out of the competition, leaving one vacant spot. Rachael and Rioja were the Hymntestants with the lowest votes. Rachael was saved by the judges. The Hymntestants all sang beautifully, reminding us of the Calvary experience. Kenneth and Olumide were outstanding for the night. Probation was different in this stanza as the Hymntestants were given opportunities to nominate one person each for probation. After the collations and decisions were made— David, Blessing, Mobolanle and Jemine were put on probation, to be saved by their voters in the next stanza.

 

Stanza 7 was quite refreshing, as we were treated to original hymns composed by the Hymntestants. David Onwukwe was hymnvicted. It was a refreshing time we had listening to the hymns the Hymntestants had composed. Each hymn was inspired by a book in the Bible. The champions for the stanza were Olumide and Rachael. On the other hand, Mobolanle, Juliet, Uduak and Jemine were the Hymntestants with the lowest votes, they naturally should be put on probation. So, it came as a pleasant surprise when the faculty cancelled probation for the stanza. Jemine was also appointed as new stanza leader, this was to encourage her fighting spirit, despite her being on probation severally.

 

The Hymntestants opened the floor on stanza 8, with a hymn they sang collectively, to appreciate the judges for canceling probation in the previous stanza. The theme for the stanza was ‘Hymns In Mother Tongue’. They sang popular hymns in native languages. This was to help promote the spirit of culture. The Hymntestants all performed beautifully, it was quite obvious that they were in their elements. Lovely medleys, electric dance moves, sonorous voices, the Hymntestants outdid themselves. Moboanle, Rachael and Olumide came out tops with the outstanding performances. It was also a no probation stanza.

 

9 out of the 15 initial Hymntestants, were all that remained in the hymnstitute by the 9th stanza. The stanza was tagged “faculty day”. To celebrate this, members of the faculty occupied the judges seat. They were: Seun Owoaje (Music director), Ajibola Bolaji (Rector and Choir master), Ben Ogbeiwi (Dean of the hymnstitute) and “the elegant stallion” Onyeka Onwenu. The stanza was themed ‘Hymns in Pidgin English’. The task was for the Hymntestants to translate popular hymns from English to Pidgin, without losing the meaning of the hymns. At the end of the night Olumide and Abigael were declared outstanding. While, Blessing, Juliet, Mobolanle and Uduak were put on probation.

 

At the beginning of stanza 10 Juliet and Blessing were hymnvicted. The stanza was themed ‘Chorus to Hymns’. the Hymntestants had to compose verses into popular chorus. A fine exercise which helped us see deep meanings behind some of the popular choruses that we sing every day. Once again Olumide and Kenneth were outstanding. However, Uduak, Mobolanle, Abigael and Jemine were on probation.

Stanza 11, was the final performance show before the grand finale. The Hymntestants sang a special song, in honour of all mothers. The Dean of the hymnstitute was the presenter for the stanza, and taking his seat at the judges table was Seun Owoaje. Jemine and Uduak were hymnvicted. The theme for the night was ‘Hymns with added verses’, the Hymntestants were required to add two verses to the hymns assigned to them. There was no probation and Olumide and Kenneth were once again outstanding.

15 Hymntestants made it into the hymnstitute, they were trained and tutored. They fought for a place at the hymnstitute. But as we have it, only 5 Hymntestants remain in the hymnstitute. They are: Olumide, Kenneth, Abigael, Rachael and Mobolanle. Who amongst these 5 would go home with the ASAPH award. Their fates are in the hands of their voters. The grand finale would be taking place at the show hall, MUSON centre on the 24th of April.