EKERESIMESI ELUTEGO

"Ekeresimesi Elutego" is a vibrant, rhythmic Igbo carol by Jude Nnam that captures the sheer joy and festive energy of the Christmas season. The title translates to "Christmas has arrived," and from the very first measure, the piece bursts with celebration. It calls the congregation to rejoice because the Son of God is born, setting a lively tone that fits perfectly into a Nigerian Catholic Christmas Mass or a parish carol service.

The arrangement is especially fun for the choir to sing, as the refrain mimics the ringing of bells ("Kụa mgbịrịgba") and the beating of traditional drums. While the lower voices provide a rhythmic, percussive backdrop with sounds like "gbam gbam" and "korom," the melody soars above with the glad tidings. The verses then walk us through the nativity story—from Mary laying Jesus in the manger, to the angels appearing to the shepherds in the night, and finally the three wise men following the star. It is a piece that brings the whole church to life, celebrating the birth of Christ with unmistakable local flavor and deep joy.