Nohuaren

"Nohuaren" is a reverent and uplifting setting of the Sanctus, sung entirely in the Edo (Bini) language. Composed by Charles Omoabuya, it translates the universal "Holy, Holy, Holy" of the Mass into a deeply cultural expression of worship. The piece opens with a bold unison declaration of God's holiness before expanding into a bright choral Hosanna.

The arrangement is structured to engage the whole congregation while giving the choir moments of harmonic beauty. After the initial unison proclamation that heaven and earth are full of God's glory ("Erinmwin vbagbon vbon n'uyi rue"), the voices break into a joyful, layered Hosanna. The Benedictus section ("Oni nodee vbeni Osanobua") returns to a unified melody, allowing the words to ring out clearly before the choir loops back to the final triumphant refrain.

Singing the Sanctus in the local tongue brings the liturgy closer to home for the faithful. For Edo-speaking congregations, lifting their voices to "Arowa Osa nudazi" (Lord God of hosts) anchors the ancient prayer in their own language, making the transition into the Eucharistic Prayer feel both sacred and intimately familiar.