Animal Carol

"Animal Carol" is a lively and beloved Nigerian Christmas piece that brings the nativity story to life through the sounds of the manger. Arranged by Emeka Nwokedi, the song playfully imagines the various animals—from the cat (ologbo) and chicken (ọkụkọ) to the sheep (atụrụ) and cow (ehi)—greeting the newborn King.

Choirs love this piece for its bright, call-and-response energy. As the singers ask who will lead them to see the Christ child ("Je hụ Ezenwa"), different sections take on the roles of the animals, mimicking their cries to praise the "eze ọma" (good king). It is a joyful, culturally rich addition to any Christmas concert or children's nativity play, reminding the congregation that all of creation rejoices at the Savior's birth.