CHIZARAM

"Chizaram" is a vibrant Igbo song of thanksgiving and testimony, its title translating to "God has answered me." Written by Andrew Chukwu, the piece is an outpouring of gratitude for prayers answered without delay. The lyrics speak of a God who listens closely, asking, "Am I the only one you love? Am I the only one you care for?" because of how swiftly He responds. It is a wonderful choice for Thanksgiving or as a lively recessional hymn, inviting the whole congregation to join in acknowledging God's goodness.

The score reveals a personal touch: it was composed and dedicated to a little girl named Chizaram Annunciata Onyia, and written for the Salt City Choir in Abakaliki. This dedication gives the song a beautiful double meaning, celebrating both the gift of a child and the faithfulness of God. The verses carry a deeply personal testimony, with the singer inviting friends to "come and ask me" about what God has done, declaring that He stepped in when hope was almost lost and put enemies to shame.

Musically, the piece is energetic and rhythmic, driven by its joyful refrain of "Deeme, deeme, deeme o Chukwuoma" (Thank you, thank you, good God). The arrangement allows the choir to build a bright, layered sound, moving from the earnest storytelling of the verses into the triumphant, full-voiced chorus. It is the kind of song that lifts the spirit of a parish, turning a choir loft into a space of genuine, joyful witness.