Ekwem N'otu Chineke

"Ekwem N'otu Chineke" is a striking Igbo setting of the Nicene Creed, composed by Okwy Tony Umeh. Designed for the profession of faith during Mass, it takes a unique and highly effective approach to the long text of the Credo. Rather than having the choir sing every line of the doctrine, the piece relies on a powerful interplay between a cantor and the full choir.

The arrangement instructs the choir to hum the underlying harmony while a strong solo voice recites the articles of faith. After each spoken verse, the bass voice cues the rest of the choir to break into the sung chorus, declaring "Ekwem n'otu Chineke" (I believe in one God). This spoken-word and choral response format gives the Creed a dramatic, declarative feel, ensuring the words are heard clearly while maintaining a rich musical backdrop. It is a wonderful choice for Nigerian parishes looking to bring fresh energy to the Sunday liturgy.