Z-Bar, World Trade Centre, Accra, last Friday, 2nd October, played host to a bevy of iconic and musically inclined individuals across the nation to witness the outdooring of University Gospel Choir of the Year Ghana.

University Gospel Choir of The Year is an annual competition birthed in the UK with the sole aim of promoting talents and also providing an unprecedented platform for University students to showcase their talents. Friday 2nd October was the beginning to a journey to unearth and celebrate musical talents in Ghanaian University Students.

The night was graced with performances from MOBO Award winning artist, Rachel Kerr, an amazing singer who flew in from UK especially for the launch and doubled as a host alongside media mogul, PY Addo Boateng.

The co-hosts announced to the room full of press, media, choir leaders and a host of special guests - the official judges for this year’s maiden competition as:

Mrs Diana Hopeson – Former MUSIGA President , Pastor Helen Yawson - KICC Ghana – First Lady, Noble Nketsiah – Gospel Legend , JJD – Sunny FM’s Host of Positive Soul and Nii Okai – Gospel Choir Mogul and Gospel great

The UGCY Patrons were announced as: Dr Rev Joyce Ayree and Mrs Diana Hopeson Mrs. Diana Hopeson, musical legend and former MUSIGA President did the honor by declaring UGCY GH officially launched and expressed how grateful she was to be part of the UGCY GH team who will promote a worthy cause of helping to promote choral music in Ghanaian Universities.

As a patron would, she encouraged the various Choir Directors present to keep up with the good work they have begun and commit themselves to see the success of UGCY GH in the least way they can.

From the judge’s desk, Ps Helen Yawson of KICC, expressed her utmost gratitude to be called to join the UGCY GH panel.

She said that she looks forward to having a great time with choirs across the country who are passionate about their ministries and will go further miles to bring out the best in them as afar as choral music is concerned.

Radio Show Host of Positive Soul on Sunny 88.7 FM, Mrs. Jennifer Jessica Danquah Ajei added that she looks forward to the various choirs ability to be creative with the songs they choose to perform. With her musical background, she encouraged choirs to consider the competition a rare opportunity and invest their time and resources because it’s worth it.

Marketing Manager of Viasat 1, Official media supporter of UGCY GH, Brenda, revealed that “Viasat 1 is proud to be associated with UGCY GH because they take pleasure in promoting inspiring yet entertaining contents to their viewers.

National Youth Organizer, Sammi Awuku, of the National Patriotic Party, NPP, graced the occasion with his presence and spared a moment to express his satisfaction with the organization of the launch.

He applauded Lorraine Wright, Founder of UGCY and Gospel Town Africa for the great work put together.

He was confident that this initiative will help bring university students across the nation together and go a long way to bring harmony among them which will aid the development of the country.

The night featured Award winning trio, Preachers, who got the crowd loving them all over again with their hit singles, No Juju, Crazy and M’ayi Waye which features Noble Nketsiah.

Soloist, Seth Diamond blessed the house with his soothing voice and left them with applause.

Choirs from tertiary institutions from across Ghana can now enter the competition by submitting an audition video. The closing date is 27th November 2015. More information can be found at www.ugcyafrica.com