Nigerian Church Choir Wins Gold At World Music Competition
The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, MFM’S choir, Mountain Top Chorale, has won a gold medal to emerge champion in the spiritual category at the World Choir Games in Sweden.
The Nigerian church performed the feat at the 2026 World Choir Games in Helsingborg, Sweden.
The Nigerian choir delivered a remarkable performance at the prestigious competition, winning two gold medals and emerging world champions in the Spiritual category, in a feat that observers said further highlighted Nigeria’s rich choral tradition and musical excellence on the international stage.
Competing against more than 160 choir groups from 40 countries, the Mountain Top Chorale clinched gold in the C11 Category – Sacred Music with Accompaniment, before adding another gold medal in the C14 Category – Spiritual, where it emerged overall champion.
The Mountain Top Chorale was the only choir representing Africa at the 2026 World Choir Games, widely regarded as the Olympics of choral music.
The emotional high point came immediately after the choir was announced as champion in the Spiritual category.
The Nigerian green-white-green flag was raised, while the national anthem was played before an international audience, as members of the Mountain Top Chorale celebrated their historic victory.
The choristers subsequently took to the podium, singing and dancing to the MFM anthem: “Olorun MFM, Olorun Alagbara,” in celebration of Nigeria’s triumph.
The Mountain Top Chorale first featured at the World Choir Games 10 years ago and has continued to strengthen its reputation as one of Nigeria’s leading choral ensembles.
At the 2024 World Choir Games in Auckland, New Zealand, which attracted more than 11,000 singers from over 30 countries, the Nigerian choir also secured two gold medals in the Champions Competition – Category C19 (Contemporary Music – Mixed Voices) and Category C22 (Spiritual).
The 53-member Nigerian contingent was privately sponsored by the General Overseer of MFM Worldwide, Dr. Daniel Kolawole Olukoya, rather than by the Nigerian government.
Olukoya, a renowned chorister and strong advocate of church music, has over the years invested heavily in developing musical talents and supporting music departments, individuals and institutions across the country.
The General Overseer of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, Daniel Olukoya, celebrated the Mountain Top Chorale after the achievement.
Interkultur, the host on Monday on its website wrote, “They came to Helsingborg ready to compete at the highest level, and today their outstanding performances were rewarded: The first Champions of the World Choir Games 2026 have been crowned!
“This morning, choirs from around the world gathered for the second Awards Ceremony of the Games to celebrate the results of The Champions Competition and one of the most prestigious achievements in international competitive choral singing.”
The World Choir Games 2026 is the world’s largest international choir competition.
It is slated to hold from August 6 to 16, the Swedish coastal city is becoming an international meeting place for choral music.
According to information from the host, around “8,500 singers from more than 40 countries have come together to compete, perform in concerts, and experience the unifying power of singing together.
“More than 160 choirs are taking part in the World Choir Games, which are being held in Sweden for the first time.”
In a Facebook post celebrating the achievement on Monday, Olukoya described the feat as “A CHAMPION’S SOUND! GOLD FOR MOUNTAIN TOP CHORALE!”
“What a glorious moment for Mountain Top Chorale of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries!”
Olukoya said the choir, conducted by Oluwasegun Okedunmola, secured two major honours at the 2026 competition.
He wrote: “🥇 GOLD MEDAL WINNER in the Spiritual Category, with an impressive 87.38 points.”
“🏆 CHAMPION OF THE WORLD CHOIR GAMES in the Champions Competition — a remarkable feat that has brought honour and pride to Nigeria and the entire MFM family!”
Olukoya described the achievement as more than a musical accomplishment, highlighting the values he said were demonstrated by the choir.
“This is more than a musical achievement; it is a testament to discipline, excellence, dedication, teamwork and the power of using our gifts to glorify God.”
He added: “From Nigeria to the world, Mountain Top Chorale has raised the banner high!”
Olukoya also commended the choristers, conductor and leadership of the choir, as well as those who contributed to the achievement.
“We celebrate every chorister, the conductor, the leadership, and everyone whose sacrifice and commitment made this victory possible,” he wrote.
“Congratulations, Mountain Top Chorale! 🏆🥇
“To God alone be all the glory!”
