GLORIA - YORUBA (ARA E GBE E GA)

"Gloria - Yoruba (Ara E Gbe E Ga)" is a vibrant Yoruba setting of the Gloria, arranged by Jude Nnam. The piece opens with the traditional intonation by the priest or cantor—"Ogo ni f'Ọlọrun loke ọrun" (Glory to God in the highest)—immediately inviting the congregation into the great hymn of praise. Following this call, the choir responds with a lively, rhythmic chorus that urges everyone to lift God high ("Ara ẹ gbe e ga").

The arrangement thoughtfully breaks the long liturgical text of the Gloria into engaging, joyful sections. After the extended praise of the opening, the verses move through the traditional addresses to the Father and the Lamb of God ("Ọdọ Aguntan Ọlọrun"), asking for mercy before building back up to a spirited declaration of God's holiness. The rhythmic drive of the Yoruba language gives the entire piece a deep sense of celebration and forward momentum.

As a Gloria, this setting is sung during the Introductory Rites on Sundays and major feast days. Written entirely in solfa notation, it is highly accessible to Nigerian parish choirs. The call-and-response structure and the bright, uplifting melody make it a favorite for festive Masses, drawing the whole church into a unified voice of thanksgiving.