MISSA IFUNANYA

"Missa Ifunanya" (Mass of Love) brings us this vibrant and rhythmic setting of the Gloria, composed by Jude Nnam. Titled "Otito Diri Chineke," it uses the edited Igbo translation of the Mass text, capturing the joyful praise of the angelic hymn in a way that naturally invites the whole church to join in. The tempo is marked Allegro, giving the piece a bright, driving energy that fits perfectly for festive Sunday Masses and major solemnities.

What makes this arrangement especially engaging for a choir is its call-and-response structure. After the initial joyful chorus, the verses are broken into short, declarative lines of worship—"Anyị ajaa Gị nma, anyị agọzie Gị" (We praise You, we bless You). Between each of these lines, the choir or congregation answers with the refrain of peace. This constant return to the core message keeps the momentum alive and ensures the congregation remains actively involved in the prayer, building up to the grand, layered "Amen" at the end.