Judges sing the praises of DMU Gospel Choir as they win University Gospel Choir of the Year

De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) Gospel Choir has won the national finals of the University Gospel Choir of the Year.

The group triumphed against some strong competition from seven of the UK’s best university gospel groups, which included fellow finalists DMU Student Choir.

Judges Anu Omideyi, Mark De-Lisser, Andrea Encinas and Stephanie Oyerinde said the standard was incredibly high.

Sister Ellah Khandi said: “We may have been the smallest choir but if the size of joy could be measured, then the world wouldn't be able to contain it! We had a testimony of the Lord's goodness to share in the choice of songs and we did just that.


“There was an interesting mix of so many different genres in gospel music. We went. We saw. We conquered! It is an honour to bring the trophy to DMU.

“Seeing the students hard work despite all the odds was truly rewarding.


“We are inspired by the words of Vince Lombardi – ‘The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand’."

DMU Gospel Choir also reached the finals of the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year, narrowly being pipped to the post.

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DMU Student Choir was in the finals for the second year running – last year it was selected despite only been going for five months. Choir director Martin Cush said: “The choir gave 100 per cent on the night, it was an amazing experience. We had such support and to have two choirs from DMU in the finals was great."

The University Gospel Choir of the Year competition allows university choirs to perform in front of a large audience, as well as receive feedback from some of the leading figures in the UK Gospel scene.

It is a voluntary organisation that aims to provide a platform for University Gospel Choirs across the UK to develop and showcase their abilities. The competition was launched in 2011 and brings together talented and diverse individuals through music.