Old Mutual National Gospel Choir Festival awards top voices

THE Old Mutual National Gospel Choir Festival grand finale took place on Saturday, 7 October at the Hosiana Parish, Katutura.

The competition saw 20 choirs from different congregations across the country competing for the grand prize.

This festival provides a platform for Namibians to celebrate their love for choral music and for the different churches to showcase their talent and passion for singing, said Kosmas Egumbo, CEO of the Old Mutual group, in his opening remarks.

All choirs put on captivating performances in both the youth and mature categories. The choirs were required to perform two songs– a prescribed song as well as the song of their choice. Egumbo stressed that “this festival is important in fostering the existing relationships with churches, our customers and the broader community we serve”.

Old Mutual has a long and tested mutually rewarding relationship with churches in Namibia through various business and empowerment programmes.

The National Gospel Choir Festival which Old Mutual, through the Old Mutual Foundation, made possible with a contribution of over N$750 000 further cemented that relationship.

The winners were as follows: In the youth category, the first prize went to //Ae – //Gams Youth Choir who walked away with N$40 000 while the second prize of N$20 000 went to St John Apostolic Faith Mission. Third prize went to Sion Youth Choir who won N$15 000. In the mature age category, Sion Mass Choir won first place with a prize of N$40 000, second place went to Ephesians Parish Choir who won N$20 000 while third place went to Alpha Choir who won N$15 000.

The two categories were introduced to the competition due to the diverse entries received and because the techniques differ in mature and youth groups and so does the energy required. – Old Mutual

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