ITORO EYENE ABASI

"Itoro Eyene Abasi" is a vibrant, rhythmic setting of the great angelic hymn. While the score's subtitle playfully (or perhaps accidentally) labels it a "Credo," the Efik words themselves—"Itoro enyen' Abasi k'enyong"—are the unmistakable, joyful text of the Gloria. It is a song of pure praise, echoing the song of the angels at the Nativity and carrying the congregation into the presence of God.

Singing the Gloria in Efik gives the ancient text a wonderful, percussive energy. The language naturally lends itself to the driving momentum of the music, especially in the rolling syllables of "Andikemendinam kpukpru nkpo" and the triumphant final verse, "Af'ikpong Okon aka." The arrangement moves briskly, keeping the choir and the assembly engaged as they declare God's majesty, bless His name, and ask for His mercy.

In the liturgy, this piece belongs right at the beginning of the Mass on Sundays and feast days. It serves as a powerful moment of communal worship, lifting the spirits of everyone in the pews before the congregation settles in for the Liturgy of the Word. It is the kind of setting that makes the choir loft ring and leaves a lasting echo of joy in the church.