Nara Aja Anyi

"Nara Aja Anyi" is a reverent Igbo Offertory and Consecration hymn that invites the congregation to bring their gifts before the Lord. The title translates to a plea for God to accept our sacrifice, a theme that runs deeply through the verses as the choir sings of offering bread and wine ("achịcha na mmanya") and asking for God's grace in return.

Arranged by Charles I. Onwubuya, the piece moves through two distinct moods. It opens with a gentle, rhythmic chorus and verses that humbly beg the Father's acceptance ("biko, biko Chukwu m o"). As the song progresses, it blossoms into a majestic "Hosanna" section. Here, the voices rise to declare that God's glory fills heaven and earth, asking the Messiah to bless the gifts and make them good ("mee ya mma").

For a choir, this song is a wonderful choice for the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The transition from the quiet, pleading verses to the joyful acclamations of the second half gives the singers a chance to lead the parish from the physical offering of gifts into the spiritual reverence of the Consecration.