Ekwem N'otu Chineke

"Ekwem N'otu Chineke" is a reverent Igbo setting of the Nicene Creed, composed by Okwy Tony Umeh as part of his "Missa Zido." Sung right after the homily on Sundays and solemnities, the Creed is the moment the entire congregation stands to profess the core mysteries of the Catholic faith.

What makes this particular arrangement special is its structure. Rather than setting every line of the lengthy text to complex choral parts, the composer provides a practical and prayerful approach: a cantor or designated reader recites the verses of the Creed in a loud, clear voice while the rest of the choir hums the underlying harmony. This allows the congregation to hear the words of faith—from the creation of the world to the resurrection of the dead—proclaimed without being rushed or lost in heavy polyphony.

After each recited section, the bass voice steps in to lead the choir back into the sung refrain, "Ekwem n'otu Chineke, Nna ji ike nile" (I believe in one God, the Father Almighty). The piece maintains a steady, quasi-allegro tempo that keeps the profession of faith moving forward with quiet conviction, before finally opening up into a resounding, multi-part "Amen" to seal the prayer.