Hymnodia Faculty Waives Probation As Contest Heats Up

By Vanessa Obioha

One of the best hymntestants (contestants) in the ongoing Hymnodia reality TV show, Kenneth Ekhuemelo, failed to maintain his presence in the frontline positions as the judges announced the top two outstanding performers of Stanza seven.

Ekhuemelo, who was one of the top two performers in Stanza six has been maintaining a great showing in the contest thus far with his singing. The bass singer exhibited confidence in his appearance, stagecraft and composure, as he rendered the self-composed hymn ‘Have Mercy on Me’, inspired by Psalm 51, but it was not enough to save him.

Replacing him in the top two for the Stanza was the broad-ranging soprano, Rachael Darley for her sterling composition titled ‘Amen’ while the consistent Olumide Dada retained his top two place for his composition ‘Heal Me Lord’.

Taking the judges seat for Stanza seven were legendary musician Onyeka Onwenu; Dupe Ige Kachi, and Sunday Olawuwo who is the music director of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagos. As usual, they were joined by Benneth Ogbeiwi, Dean of the Hymnstitute.

Other performers of the edition were Mobolanle Oladimeji, Jemine Edukugho, Juliet Nwabia, Uduakobong Akpan, Blessing Agu and Abigael Nnadi.

The judges generally lauded all the hymntestants for their display of talents that led to wonderful hymns writing and rendition. According to the judges, their hymns aptly captured the essence of each relevant scripture including the spirit of the Lenten period and Christ’s suffering on the cross. This was further reinforced when the Dean of the Hymnstitute announced that there will be no probation for the week to palpable relief.

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