6 February 2026
It marks a major milestone for the society, which is celebrating just one year since its formation
The University of Sunderland’s Gospel Choir(opens in new tab) has been named as finalists in the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition.
It marks a major milestone for the society, which is celebrating just one year since its formation. Founded in February last year, the choir has quickly grown into a close-knit community, bringing students together.
President of the society and MBChB Medicine student, Amarachi Inyama, said: “At first I was so hesitant to start the choir. I was new to the University as a first year medical student and I didn't feel ready to start but I knew it was something I had to do.
"As of February, we are officially one year old this year and I am so proud of all we've achieved in the little time we have been a choir.”
Originally from Manchester, Amarachi explains that when setting up the society: “A huge inspiration was my church choir back home. There was a real sense of community and belonging and friendship and I knew that was something important I wanted to carry into this choir.
"Reflecting on the past year, this is something I feel we have been successful, we have held social events such as game night, we celebrate each others birthdays and we laugh and joke together. We are all learning and growing together musically and spiritually.”
Speaking about reaching the UGCY finals, Amarachi said: “With UGCY, it was something we wanted to try, though we were aware we were less established than the other competitors. We are excited that we are finalists and that we have the opportunity to represent the University nationally at the University Gospel Choir of the Year competition in London.”
You can get tickets to the University Gospel Choir of the Year Live Finals here.(opens in new tab)
Amarachi added: "We hope our presence at UGCY will have also a positive impact and regardless of the outcome, I am so proud of how far we have come in such little time.”
Balancing choir leadership alongside a demanding medical degree has not always been easy, but Amarachi credits her support networks for helping her.
“Alongside my degree, at times it has been hard to manage but I am so grateful for my support networks and my faith that have allowed me to persevere," she said.
If you'd like to see the choir in action before the UGCY competition, they are having their first show on campus on Friday 27 February.
Amarachi said: "We are excited as we think this is vital for establishing the presence of our choir within the University and on campus.”
Tickets for the live performance on campus are available here(opens in new tab).
SU President Ade Adeoye said: "As SU President I am so proud of a brand new society achieving this just a year after being formed. One of my favourite parts of my role is seeing nervous student get the support they need to create their own space on campus in the form of a society.
“I think their performance at the University Christmas Carol service was a sight to behold and to see my friend Amarachi having so much success is great. I look forward to watching their performance at UGCY.”