Bermudian musician Stephen Manders is not one to seek the limelight. But in the world of gospel music, when 13 choirs come together to perform your work you know you've made it.

The 22 year-old university student has, until now, been best known for his talents on the piano and as a regular organist at the Hamilton Seventh-day Adventist Church where his father Kenneth is pastor.

Mr. Manders, who discovered his love for the piano as a child, had previously collaborated with other local musicians like Zach Wilson. But at the start of his sophomore year at Oakwood University in Alabama, he decided to try something new.

"I usually do the music, but I wanted to do something that I could call my own," said Mr. Manders when he spoke to The Royal Gazette this week. "It just came to me over a while, as I got inspired I tried to add different things."

At first he had only the music in mind, but with time came inspiration and eventually a gospel song ready for performance. 'Under His Wing' had the feel of a big choir song, and was soon adopted by the Oakwood Aeolians – the University's top travelling ensemble.

When Mr. Manders returned home he showed the work to his friend and mentor Owen Simons, director of the Southampton Seventh-day Adventist Inspirational Choir. Mr. Simons liked the song and was soon teaching it to the choir.

Last month, Mr. Simons decided to take the song to Atlanta, where he and his choir were travelling to take part in Spring Into Praise, an annual Adventist choir festival. The participants were invited to submit songs for the mass choir to perform for a recording at the end of the festival. The organisers selected Mr. Manders' song.

"It was overwhelming, I didn't expect any of this.

"It was a humbling experience, and I was just honoured to be a part," he said about learning that 100s of people would be recorded singing his work.

For Mr. Manders, who credits his inspiration and success to God, it was an experience of a lifetime. A professional quality recording of the performance was made, and a CD and DVD are expected soon with many of his family and friends awaiting copies.

"I wish I had it to bring back, because a lot of people want to hear it! But the official product hasn't come out, there's still a lot of editing that needs to be done."

Stephen hopes the song will even make it on to local radio stations, something he would be "pretty excited about".

This summer Mr. Manders, who is majoring in public relations, has interned with the Police Media Relations department an experience he has enjoyed so far.

"I'm actually involved with a project right now to produce a commercial for the Police. It's trying to capture the different elements and departments of the Police to show to the public," he explained.

The former Bermuda Institute student, who enjoys playing football in his spare time, says he has a few other projects in the works. He has yet to decide on his career path though the entertainment business remains a possibility but says he plans to open his own studio at some point.

Whatever he chooses, it is unlikely we have heard the last of this young achiever.