Keresimesi ti De (Christmas is here)

"Keresimesi ti De" (Christmas is here) is a vibrant and joyous Yoruba Christmas anthem that captures the sheer excitement of the Nativity. Composed by Obioha Ogbonna and Banjo Adeboye, the piece opens with profound gratitude—"Adupe o Baba, Adupe o Jesu" (Thank you Father, Thank you Jesus)—before bursting into a grand celebration of the newborn King. It is a song that truly comes alive in the choir loft during the festive season, calling the congregation to join the angels in singing Alleluia to the "Alade ogo" (Prince of Glory).

The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Christmas story, from the guiding star that shone brightly ("A ti ri irawo re o, o si n dan yanyan ni") to the humble manger where Mary and Joseph welcomed the Savior ("nibu gbe eranla"). The intricate vocal arrangements and rhythmic call-and-responses build a sense of triumphant arrival. For Nigerian Catholic choirs, this piece serves as a magnificent Offertory or Thanksgiving anthem during Christmas Day Masses, filling the church with the unmistakable warmth and rhythmic energy of a true African Christmas celebration.