EZI CHI

"Ezi Chi" (True God) is a monumental Easter anthem by Chukwuebuka Ozioko and Emeka Ujam that vividly recounts the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. Written for the St. Mulumba Chaplaincy Choir at the University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, the piece unfolds like a grand sacred oratorio. It begins with a solemn acknowledgment of Jesus as the "True God from True God" and the "Great Son of David," before launching into a dramatic call-and-response narrative of His crucifixion on Calvary.

The music captures the raw emotion of Holy Week and the explosive joy of Easter Sunday. Through intricate choral responses, soaring solos, and even traditional ululations, the choir tells the story of the empty tomb and the King who defeated death. The lyrics weave through the sorrow of Mary weeping at the cross to the triumphant counting of dance steps as the faithful celebrate their redemption.

For a Nigerian Catholic choir, an anthem of this scale is a true centerpiece for the Easter Vigil or Easter Sunday Mass. The dynamic shifts—from the poignant reflection on Christ's suffering and the piercing of His side, to the jubilant, rhythmic declarations of "Ekene diri Chukwu eze" (Praise be to God the King)—make it a deeply moving experience. It is a powerful proclamation of faith that invites the entire congregation to rejoice in the risen Lord.