Ibukun

"Ibukun" is a reverent a cappella setting of the Offertory prayers, translated into Yoruba. The title means "Blessing," echoing the opening words of the preparation of the gifts: "Blessed are you, Lord God of all creation."

During the Offertory, the choir leads the congregation in presenting the bread and wine—the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands. The verses capture this sacred exchange, moving from the offering of bread ("akara yii") to wine ("ọti yii"), and finally to the offering of ourselves ("a pese ara wa") in prayer for eternal unity.

Emre Matthew and Adeboye Banjo’s arrangement uses warm, unaccompanied harmonies to give the text a solemn and grounded feel. It is an ideal piece for the presentation of the gifts, allowing the choir to draw the faithful into the mystery of the Eucharist as the altar is prepared.