ANYI NO L'OKPOKU CHIPFU

"Anyi No L'Okpoku Chipfu" is a vibrant, culturally grounded Catholic hymn composed by Collins Ifejika Nworie for the Mater Dei Choir at Ebonyi State University (EBSU). Sung in the distinctive regional Igbo dialect of Ebonyi State, the title expresses a joyous realization that the people are gathered in the presence of God ("Chipfu"). It carries a deeply rhythmic, celebratory feel, opening with a warm tenor solo that invites the congregation to come forward and enter the house of the Lord.

The song is perfectly suited for the Entrance procession or as a Thanksgiving anthem. Its lyrics are a communal call to action: "Unwunne mu, anyi gude obu lanu su g'anyi djee l'ib'Iya" (My brethren, let us go with one heart to His presence). As the verses unfold, the choir reflects on the goodness God has shown, reminding the faithful that when you thank God for what He has done, He is moved to do even more.

What makes this piece so engaging is its layered, polyphonic build-up, especially in the third verse where the choir sets up a rhythmic ostinato ("Unu byia g'anyi swiru") beneath a soaring solo descant. It brings the authentic sound of indigenous Nigerian worship into the liturgy, filling the church with a spirit of profound gratitude and unity.