EKENE MARIA!

"Ekene Maria!" by Rev. Fr. Dominic Igwe is a vibrant and joyful Marian hymn that brings the traditional Hail Mary prayer to life in Igbo. Opening with a gentle soprano solo that blossoms into a full choir "Ave Maria," the piece beautifully bridges the universal Latin greeting with rhythmic, indigenous choral worship. It was notably performed as a native entry for the Abakaliki Diocese Zonal Choir Competition in 2018, showcasing its dynamic and engaging arrangement.

The lyrics draw directly from scriptural Marian devotion, weaving together the Angelic Salutation with echoes of the Magnificat. The choir sings of Mary's unique place among women and asks for her intercession, recalling her powerful role at the wedding feast in Cana. In the final verse, the text shifts to Mary's own song of praise, declaring that all generations will call her blessed.

For Nigerian Catholic choirs, this piece is a wonderful choice for Marian feast days, the devotion months of May and October, or as a lively thanksgiving hymn. Its rhythmic vitality and layered vocal sections make it an uplifting choral work that elevates the congregation's spirits while honoring the Mother of God.