Wizzy Choir rocks UGCY Africa finals

Wisconsin International University College’s Wizzy Choir put on a spirited performance to emerge among the top three at the maiden edition of the University Gospel Choir Africa (UGCY-Africa) competition.

Wizzy Choir’s medley of songs had the audience, including UGCY-Africa founder Lorraine Wright and judge Diana Hopeson, on their feet dancing.

The choirs were drawn from the University of Education, Winneba, University of Development Studies, University College of Management Studies, University of Ghana, Legon and Accra Polytechnic.

The only other private university taking part in the competition was Ashesi University.

Veteran gospel luminary Nii Okai, was left speechless following Wizzy’s performance. “When you’re lost for words to describe something, all you can say is Charlie, Charlie...”.

He commended Wizzy Choir for taking on board advice offered during the boot camp session on February 13, 2016, saying the choir was now “on point”.

Fellow judge Sunny FM’s Jennifer Jessica Danquah (JJD) said Wizzy’s performance was “infectious”.

Nii Okai and JJD were joined at the judges’ table by Helen Yawson, Diana Hopeson, Noble Nketsiah, and Obed Psyche from the group Preachers. PY Addo Boateng was MC for the event.

GHAMSU choir from University of Education, Winneba were declared overall UGCY-Africa 2016 winners after a rousing performance of ‘Emmanuel’ set to the popular Barclays Premier League tune.

Second place went to University of Ghana’s Stewards of Praise.

Lead vocalist and choir director Pere said: “This was a wonderful experience. It brought the best out of every individual. We knew the competition was tough, so it made us work hard, dig deeper, rehearse more, push more and pray more than we ever did before.

“We want to thank the school for their contribution to our success and for providing us with the platform to experience this.”

Director of International Relations Mr Ebenezer Amuasi, who headed the team set up to support Wizzy Choir through the competition, said: “It was an uphill struggle for the choir, so to make it through boot camp and then come in third among other universities is a major feat.

“This competition marks an important milestone in the history of the choir and of the school’s musical development. It will really help boost the choir members confidence and will see them go places.”

See more: Read the success story of a graduate student of Wisconsin Int'l University College

‘Wizzy Choir’ is Wisconsin’s student-led Christian Fellowship Choir.

The University Gospel Choir of the Year Africa competition (UGCY-Africa) was open to all universities in Ghana. Ghana was selected for the maiden edition of the competition, which will be rolled out across other African countries.

The competition’s aim is to engage students across the continent in an annual inter-varsity choral contest that develops and displays their musical talent.

The UK version of UGCY has achieved great success over the past five years and has been broadcast on national TV stations such as BBC and ITV.

University choirs that have participated in the UK version of the UGCY competition provide choral backing for shows such as The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.