His name is Emmanuel

"His name is Emmanuel" by Okoli Kingsley is a vibrant, multi-lingual Christmas anthem that captures the awe and joy of the Incarnation. The piece opens with a gentle, narrative chorus recounting the angel Gabriel’s message to Joseph, before bursting into a majestic proclamation of the newborn Saviour's titles.

A true highlight for the Christmas season and carol concerts, the arrangement thrives on the dynamic interplay between the full choir and its soloists. After a soaring soprano solo calls the earth to rejoice, the choir and soloists trade joyful, rhythmic lines, urging everyone to "sound the horn and hit the drums" in celebration of Christ's birth.

The climax of the anthem is a sweeping baritone solo that praises the "Prince of Peace" across multiple Nigerian languages, seamlessly weaving Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba titles for Christ. From "Eze na'dighi ama jijiji" (the unshakable King) to "Sarkin salama" and "Adamu keji" (the second Adam), this linguistic blend brings the mystery of the Nativity right into the local worship experience, uniting the whole congregation in the truth that God is indeed with us.