MAI TSARKI

"Mai Tsarki" is a vibrant Hausa setting of the Sanctus, composed by Festus Nkwoka for the 2024 NACALIMCOM (National Catholic Liturgical Music Council of Nigeria) Music Fiesta. Translating to "Holy, Holy, Holy," this piece carries the joyful and majestic text of the heavenly acclamation, declaring the glory of the Lord of hosts. The music is marked "Con brio," bringing a bright, energetic pulse to the choir loft as the voices proclaim "Sama da kasa a cike suke da darajarka" (Heaven and earth are full of your glory).

In the liturgy, this song finds its place right at the heart of the Mass, sung by the choir and congregation just before the Eucharistic Prayer. The arrangement builds a lively momentum, especially as it moves into the triumphant "Hosanna a cikin sama" (Hosanna in the highest). Written for a major national liturgical music festival, the score offers choirs a dynamic and culturally resonant way to elevate this sacred moment in the Mass.