Ekene Maria.

"Ekene Maria" brings the familiar words of the Hail Mary to life with a distinctly joyful, rhythmic energy. Rev. Fr. Dominic Igwe’s arrangement opens with a gentle, floating sequence of "Aves" before settling into a warm, steady groove. It is a song of deep affection, addressing the Blessed Virgin as "Nwanyị ọma, ezigbo nne" (beautiful woman, good mother), and asking for her intercession just as she did at the wedding feast in Cana.

Choirs often bring this piece out during the Marian months of May and October, or as a lively thanksgiving hymn on feast days like the Assumption. The true surprise of the arrangement comes in the second verse. While the upper voices maintain a steady, repeating chant of "bụ Nwafo gị, Jesu" (is your Son, Jesus), the bass line steps forward to take the lead. They drive the song toward a thrilling climax, declaring Christ as the Messiah and King of Peace who will rule forever, punctuated by the percussive, rhythmic chanting of "Ọ ga-achị, chị chị chị." It is a moment that never fails to lift the spirit of the congregation.