GLORIA - YORUBA 'Chris'

"Gloria - Yoruba 'Chris'" (widely known by its joyful chorus, "Ara Ẹ Gbe E Ga") is a vibrant and rhythmic setting of the *Gloria in excelsis Deo*, arranged by Jude Nnam. The piece opens with the traditional priest or cantor intonation—"Ogo ni f'Ọlọrun loke ọrun" (Glory to God in the highest)—before the choir and congregation join in a lively unison declaration of peace to people of good will.

The heart of the song lies in its celebratory chorus, calling on the faithful to lift God high. As the voices layer together in harmony, they offer thanks, praise, and glory to the Lord ("Ọpẹ yẹ f'Ọlọrun"). The verses faithfully carry the standard liturgical text of the Gloria in Yoruba, moving from praise of the Father to the supplication of the Lamb of God, and concluding with the glorification of the Holy Trinity.

Choirs typically sing this during the Introductory Rites of the Mass on Sundays, solemnities, and feast days. Its energetic arrangement makes it a favorite in Nigerian Catholic parishes, bringing a deeply indigenous and uplifting spirit to the ancient angelic hymn.