University Gospel Choir of the Year Competition Announces Top Judges
Written by Sunny Unachi on 13th March 2025
The UGCY 2025 judging panel is set, and it’s nothing short of legendary! This year, an incredible lineup of industry powerhouses will bring their expertise, passion, and keen eye for talent to the stage. With their wealth of experience in gospel, choral direction, and music artistry, they’ll be looking for soul-stirring harmonies, dynamic performances, and undeniable stage presence.
Judges include multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and one of the UK’s leading Gospel artists, CalledOut Music. Joining him is Heavilyn Ohene-Akrasi, Melodies From Heaven founder and a dynamic vocal powerhouse and advocate for Gospel music excellence. Karen Gibson MBE, founder and director of the famed Kingdom Choir, brings her priceless expertise in choral direction and performance, while Russell Scott, renowned UK Choir Festival music director and vocal coach, adds his vast industry experience. Completing the panel is Junior Garr, The Spirituals’ visionary leader and artist, known for his innovative approach to Gospel music. Together, this esteemed panel will challenge and inspire the choirs to deliver their best performances.
There will not be a dull moment with the charismatic Lady T as host during the hotly contested finals of the 13th annual UGCY – University Gospel Choir of the Year competition which will take place on Saturday 22nd of March 2025 at Oasis House, Croydon.
University Gospel Choir of the Year was founded in 2011 by Lorraine Wright MBE and continues to provide a prestigious platform where choirs can develop and showcase their musical ability in a supportive community environment, bridging the gap of geographic location and variety of alumni, bringing wider audience engagement.
UGCY 2025 is organised in partnership with AStepFWD, a multi-media platform that curates the monthly UK Christian Charts (the only national independent music charting system in the UK) along with initiatives such as the Masterclass Series, Artist Relief Fund, Poets In Autumn World Tour and the annual StepFWD Awards along with many other trailblazing initiatives.
The following choirs are shortlisted to compete this year (in no particular order):
- The Revival Gospel Choir – University of Leicester
- BIMM Birmingham Gospel Choir – BIMM Birmingham
- Portsmouth Gospel Choir – University of Portsmouth
- Kent Gospel Choir – University of Kent
- Keele University Gospel Choir (KUGC) – Keele University
- Warwick Gospel Choir – University of Warwick
- Kings College Gospel Choir – King’s College London
- University of Birmingham Gospel Choir (UOB Gospel Choir) – University of Birmingham
- Canterbury Christ Church Gospel Choir – Canterbury Christ Church University
- BIMM London Gospel Choir – BIMM London
As always the UGCY will be full of dancing, laughter and roaring cheers with judges and attendees ultimately deciding which choir will be crowned the 2025 University Gospel Choir of the Year.
The University Gospel Choir of the Year will be held on Saturday 25th March 2025 at Oasis House, Croydon CR0 3EX with doors open from 6pm. TICKETS are now available and this event is not to be missed!
