Do, Meri

"Do, Meri" is a gentle and reverent Urhobo setting of the Hail Mary, composed by Festus Nkwoka. For choirs in Nigeria, singing the "Ave Maria" in local languages brings a special warmth to Marian devotions, and this piece captures that feeling beautifully. The song walks through the traditional prayer, from the angel's greeting to the final petition for grace at the hour of death.

The arrangement is structured with a flowing, melodic refrain that weaves the universal "Ave, ave, ave Maria" into the Urhobo text. The verses allow the different voice parts to interact, with the bass and alto lines occasionally stepping forward to lead the prayer before the full choir joins in harmony. The final section builds into an earnest plea—"Meri oforon, oni r'oghene" (Holy Mary, Mother of God)—before settling into a peaceful "Ise" (Amen).

This piece is a wonderful choice for May and October devotions, the Feast of the Annunciation, or any Marian feast day. Its prayerful pace also makes it a fitting meditation song after Communion, inviting the congregation to reflect on the Blessed Mother's intercession.