I KWERELA NA CHINEKE?

"I Kwerela Na Chineke?" is a vibrant Igbo setting of the Nicene Creed, transforming the traditional profession of faith into a dynamic choral dialogue. The title itself asks a direct question: "Do you believe in God?" The arrangement opens with the bass section posing this very question to the choir, who immediately respond with a resounding "E kwerem n'otu Chukwu" (I believe in one God). This call-and-response approach gives the piece a deeply personal and communal feel, echoing the baptismal promises renewed by the faithful.

As the choir moves through the articles of faith, the music shifts to reflect the profound mysteries being sung. The tempo and mood adapt to narrate Christ’s incarnation, His crucifixion under Pontius Pilate, and His glorious resurrection on the third day. Singing the Creed in the vernacular allows both the singers in the loft and the congregation in the pews to connect intimately with the foundational truths of the Catholic faith.

For choir directors, this piece offers a wonderful opportunity to lead the parish in a spirited and rhythmic declaration of belief. It is typically sung after the homily on Sundays and solemnities, anchoring the Liturgy of the Word before the preparation of the gifts begins.