TONU JAH

When a choir wants to pull out all the stops for a major feast day, few pieces match the sheer majesty of Handel's "Hallelujah Chorus." This score brings that iconic classical work into the Igbo language as "Tonu Jah," translated by Rev. Emmanuel N. D. Okoroafor. It allows Nigerian choirs to sing one of the world's most famous choral anthems while keeping the text intimately connected to the local congregation.

The translation faithfully captures the triumphant energy of the original English text. As the voices build through the famous polyphonic entries, declaring "Ale'ze nke uwa abuwo ale'ze nke'Onye nwayi" (The kingdom of this world is become the kingdom of our Lord) and crowning Him "'Ze ndi'e ze, 'Nye nwe ndi nwe" (King of Kings, and Lord of Lords), the familiar music takes on a fresh, powerful resonance. It is a thrilling choice for Easter Sunday, Christmas Day, or any grand celebration where the choir needs a truly monumental song of praise.