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KAMPALA - Celebrations rocked Orivu Zone in Otumbari Catholic Parish, Aripea Vicariate in the Arua Catholic Diocese on Sunday morning after St. Aloysius Choir Orivu was announced among the final eight choir groups that will compete in the grand finale of the 2024 Martyr's Choral Singing Competition at the Kampala Serena Hotel on May 31, 2024.

The announcement on Vision Group-owned Bukedde 1 TV sparked wild celebrations among the large crowd that eagerly followed the proceedings live.

The news was broken at about 11:00 am on Sunday after the largely rural choir group continued to impress the panel of adjudicators in the competition that initially attracted 90 entries nationwide.

St. Aloysius Choir Orivu sailed through to the last 16 in an announcement made last week, and then to the last eight in the announcement made today, May 26, 2024.

The chairman of the choir group, David Candia, and the Zone leader could not hide their excitement. They spoke to the New Vision about the significance of their triumph.

“We feel very excited. If the number of participants was not limited to 25, all the members, numbering up to over 70, would go to showcase their special abilities. But we are not new to competitions; we are determined to excel,” said Candia.

“This is a blessing from God. We pray for continuous success as we embark on mobilizing resources to support their journey,” added Adima Solomon, the catechist of Orivu Zone.

Sponsored by the Office of the First Lady, Equity Bank, Centenary Bank, and Crown Beverages Uganda Ltd, the 2024 Choral Competition the brainchild of Vision Group, aims to celebrate the diverse choral traditions of both the Catholic and Anglican communities, offering a captivating showcase of harmony and talent.

In recognition of their outstanding performances, the winning Catholic and Anglican choirs will each receive a generous prize of shillings 10 million.

Additionally, the first runners-up from each side will be awarded shillings 5 million, while the second runners-up will receive shillings 3 million.

Last year, St. Aloysius Choir Orivu placed fourth in the inter-vicariate music and drama festival in the Arua Catholic Diocese.