FINAL

The DMU troupe are one of just six gospel choirs taking part in the showpiece event, with the filming for the final competition taking place at London’s Hackney Empire theatre.

Sister Ellah Kandi, part of the 34-strong choir that went to London for the pre-recorded finals, said: “A few months ago we entered the competition and we had to send two recordings of ourselves singing.

“Many, many choirs entered, but they only chose six for the finals.

“Then they came to our rehearsals at DMU and requested we sing the songs we’d sent. Then they gave us tips on how we could develop our choir. They were impressed with what they saw.”

Ellah sees this as a remarkable accolade for the DMU Gospel Choir.

“It’s definitely an achievement,” Ellah said.

“The amount of choirs that go through the first stage, it’s just unbelievable.

“We were absolutely blown away; to know we’re in the top six choirs in the country, that is awesome.”

The good news of making it to the Songs of Praise finals follows hot on the heels of DMU’s graduation week, during which the DMU Gospel Choir produced breath-taking performances throughout the week.

Ellah added: “This year the graduations were extra special. I personally really enjoyed them, we all enjoyed every minute.

“We had students and parents thanking us for making it so special for them, and that just made us want to do it better and better each time. It was definitely a hallelujah moment.”

You can see how the DMU Gospel Choir got on in the Songs of Praise finals on BBC next month. The competition will be televised in two parts on Sunday 23 and Sunday 30 August.