EKWE

When a choir takes on Onyeka Onwenu’s classic "Ekwe," the energy in the room instantly shifts. This is not a standard liturgical hymn, but a vibrant cultural showpiece that finds its way into choir concerts, cultural day celebrations, and special presentations. The song is named after the ekwe, the traditional Igbo wooden slit drum, and the choral arrangement brilliantly mimics the instrument's driving, polyrhythmic pulse using just the human voice.

From the opening acapella bars, the lower voices lay down a percussive groove—chanting rhythmic syllables that set the stage for the sopranos to soar in with the familiar, urgent melody. The lyrics speak of looking to the right and left, hearing the unmistakable sound of the ekwe approaching, and asking the world what to do in the face of such a compelling rhythm.

Singing this piece requires tight coordination and a deep sense of groove. The arrangement moves from layered harmonies into a rapid, chant-like unison section, culminating in a lively call-and-response. For Nigerian choirs, performing "Ekwe" is a joyful nod to indigenous musical roots, bringing the infectious warmth of traditional highlife straight into the choral repertoire.