SANCTUS Mai Tsarki

"Mai Tsarki" is a vibrant Hausa setting of the Sanctus, bringing the great "Holy, Holy, Holy" into the rhythmic and melodic cadence of Northern Nigeria. Composed by Obioha Ogbonna, the piece was originally dedicated to the wedding of Salomi James and Linus Nneji, showing how new liturgical music often blossoms from the joy of the sacraments.

In the choir loft, this piece shines during the Eucharistic Prayer. The opening declarations of "Mai tsarki, Mai tsarki, Mai tsarki" build a sense of profound reverence before the Lord of hosts ("Ubangiji Allah mai runduna"). As the choir moves into the verses, the melody carries the congregation through the acknowledgment that heaven and earth are full of God's glory ("Sama da kasa a cikin suke da darajanka").

The joyful "Hossana a cikin samania" serves as a bright, uplifting refrain that invites everyone to join the unending hymn of praise. Singing "Mai Tsarki" allows a choir to lead the faithful into the mystery of the consecration with cultural warmth and deep liturgical solemnity, making the Mass feel both universal and deeply rooted in the local tongue.