I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE, I BELIEVE

When it comes time to profess our faith during Mass, we often look for settings of the Creed that keep the congregation engaged without losing the solemnity of the words. Joe Ekandem’s arrangement does exactly this by using a continuous ostinato. The choir and congregation anchor the piece with a steady, repeating refrain of "I believe," creating a rhythmic foundation of faith.

Over this repeating chorus, a soprano cantor takes the lead, chanting the core mysteries of the Catholic faith. From the creation of heaven and earth to the resurrection of the dead, the cantor’s melody floats above the choir's steady declaration. It is a wonderful way to sing the Credo, especially in Nigerian parishes where call-and-response forms feel so natural to our style of worship.

Because the choir's part is simple and repetitive, it allows everyone to internalize the prayer. The cantor carries the heavy lifting of the text, moving through the incarnation, passion, and resurrection, while the rest of the voices provide a constant, unwavering heartbeat of belief. It brings a deeply communal feel to the Profession of Faith.