The race for Hymnodia, the entertaining reality show created around hymns and worship, gathered more momentum over the weekend as 26 hymntestants (contestants) were selected in the Judges list following two days of grueling auditions in Ikeja Lagos.

The selected Hymntestants emerged from a pool of over 200candidates who were shortlisted for auditions out of more than 1,500 that applied for the novel program.

The hymntestants thrilled the judges and audience with renditions of classical and contemporary hymns, which brought excitement to the fun filled and interestingly transparent two-stage process.

The two-day audition started on Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Lagos Television (LTV 8), and was conducted by a panel of judges with experience in the art of hymn rendition, song writing and teaching.

They include Dupe Ige Kachi, popularly known as Ige Sings, singer, songwriter and voice coach; and Seun Owoaje, pianist, composer and music lecturer. Others were Sunday Olawuwo, music director of Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja, Lagosand Benneth Ogbewi, event consultant.

The judges acknowledged the depth of talent among the hymntestants that can be nurtured at the Hymnstitute.

According to Ige Sings, Hymnodia is timely and shows that the hymn culture could be reignited in Nigeria “l know Hymnodia will help them improve faster,” she stated.

Owoaje said “I see potentials in the contestants, and I commend the initiator.”

Olawuwo affirmed that “Hymnodia is different from whatever has happened in the country.

Kufre Ekanem, Managing Director of Philosoville Limited, the initiator, assured that Hymnodia, would be an annual project to redefine the perception on hymns and the almost forgotten value of its creation, writing and singing.

He said the ultimate winner would be rewarded with the ASAPH, a specially designed trophy, a brand-new car and cash prize of N5 million at the grand finale of the show on April 21, 2019.