MAKUWU MARIA

"Makuwu Maria" is a gentle, flowing setting of the Hail Mary prayer in the Ebira language, composed by Abel Obaje. The piece opens with a reverent exchange between soprano and tenor soloists, establishing a quiet devotion before the full choir enters. It captures the deep affection Nigerian Catholics hold for the Blessed Mother, translating the familiar angelic salutation into a deeply cultural expression of faith.

In the choir loft, this piece is a wonderful choice for Marian feasts, the month of October, or as a meditation when the liturgy turns to Our Lady. Obaje’s arrangement uses the natural cadence of the Ebira text to guide the melody, building from the delicate solo lines into a rich, harmonized choral prayer. It offers the congregation a moment of peaceful, grounded reflection, making it a rewarding addition to any choir's indigenous repertoire.