University gospel choir bags a trophy after national competition

Sunderland students are singing for joy after they placed third at the University Gospel Choir of the Year (UGCY) competition.

Competing against nine other choirs, YourSU’s Gospel Choir Society were awarded second runner up at the 14^th annual UGCY final in Croydon, London (21 March).

Founded in 2011 by Lorraine Wright MBE, UGCY has grown into one of the most recognised platforms for student gospel choirs nationwide.

Amarachi Inyama, President of the Gospel Choir Society, who studies Medicine at the University, said: “When I started choir, I knew that I wanted to create a community and bring joy to Sunderland, and I think we have done just that. I am truly so proud of all that we have achieved as a choir this year.

“I remember when we first started in February last year with just three of us, and in less than a year, we have grown tenfold. Seeing the enjoyment of choir members is invaluable to me and inspires me to keep going.

“In the lead up to the UGCY competition, we have worked so hard as a choir, and I am grateful that we got to bring a trophy back home to the University. I’d like to give props also to our choir director for his efforts towards this competition alongside the choir and instrumentalists.”

The Gospel Choir Society were supported by the University’s Development Trust and YourSU to help them compete on this national stage.

SU President Ade Adeoye said: “Supporting students to achieve incredible things like this is at the heart of what we do. The Gospel Choir is a fantastic example of how societies play a vital role in student life, creating community, building confidence, and offering experiences that shape their journey far beyond their studies.

“For a society that began only a few months ago to go on to achieve a trophy finish in a nationwide competition is something to celebrate.”