Mimo!

"Mimo!" is a bright, rhythmic setting of the Sanctus composed in Yoruba by Charles I. Onwubuya. Sung during the Eucharistic Prayer, it captures the awe and joyful praise of the heavenly host. The arrangement uses a clear call-and-response structure, allowing the cantors to proclaim the holiness of God while the full choir answers with resounding, syncopated shouts of "Mímọ́!"

The piece builds an energetic momentum, especially as it transitions into the refrain. Here, the sopranos lead a lively, overlapping melody that brings a distinct Nigerian choral flavor to the Mass, while the cantors float above with their own joyful cries of "Hosanna." It is a wonderful choice for festive Sunday liturgies, lifting the congregation's spirits as they prepare for the consecration. Rehearsing this Sanctus often brings a spark of energy to the choir loft, as the rhythmic interplay between the voice parts requires crisp timing and a joyful, unified sound.