Gospel elite crescendo choir turns 20, celebrates with ‘Olwaleero Mbaga’

Gospel Elite Crescendo Choir International is celebrating 20 years of gospel music and ministry with a concert at Namirembe Cathedral Gardens in Kampala.

George William Senabulya, one of the choir's lead singers, confirmed that this year's concert, on Boxing Day, dubbed Ekibbiitu ky'omwaka: Crescendos at 20, will be different from previous editions, with a new venue and an enhanced entertainment experience.

For the first time in 19 years, the choir has moved its annual concert from Mengo Senior School playground, where it has traditionally been held, to Namirembe Cathedral Gardens.

According to Senabulya, the change is part of a broader effort to make the 20th-anniversary celebrations special, with improvements in stage design, venue decoration, session arrangements and on-stage performances.

The choir has organised its annual Ekibbiitu ky'omwaka concert every December 26 over the years. However, this edition carries added significance as the group celebrates two decades of using music to spread the gospel and promote Christian values.

The announcement comes days after the choir released its latest gospel reggae song, Olwaleero Mbaga, which has been gaining popularity among believers and receiving airplay on both Christian and mainstream radio stations.

Founded in 2006 by Ronald Keeya Senabulya, the choir traces its roots to St. Thomas Kiwuunya Church of Uganda in Kiwuunya Parish, Kazo Archdeaconry, under Namirembe Diocese in Kampala.

Its mission is to spread the gospel of Christ across the world through music, preaching and the promotion of Christian values.

Over the years, Gospel Elite Crescendo has taken its music beyond Uganda, performing in countries including Dubai, Kenya and Rwanda. Locally, the choir has also featured at state functions, parties, concerts and various other celebrations.

"We aim to foster assembly participation through faith-filled singing that is familiar, enthusiastic and inspirational," George Senabulya said.

The choir has 36 members drawn from different professional and social backgrounds, including doctors, lawyers, engineers, teachers, businesspeople, students and managers. Despite their different careers and social standings, the members share a commitment to serving God through singing, dancing and praising Him.

Senabulya says the choir's performances have inspired audiences in different communities, encouraging many people to embrace their faith and serve God through their respective talents and abilities.

Among its notable achievements, the choir won the Uganda Golden Jubilee Network competition during the historic celebrations marking 50 years of Uganda's independence in 2012. It has also won the choir category at the Victoria Gospel Music Awards (VIGA) on three occasions.

"We organise a massive Christmas family concert, code-named Ekibbiitu ky'omwaka, every December 26. Preparations are now in high gear for this year's edition, Ekibbiitu ky'omwaka: Crescendos at 20, as we celebrate 20 years of vibrant existence in the gospel music industry and our service to God through music," Senabulya added.