Nohuaren

Charles Onwubuya's "Nohuaren" brings the Sanctus to life in the Edo (Bini) language, offering choirs a vibrant and deeply reverent setting for the Eucharistic prayer. Singing the "Holy, Holy, Holy" in an indigenous tongue helps ground the liturgy in local expression, making the moment of consecration feel both majestic and intimately familiar to the congregation.

The piece opens with a solemn, unison declaration of "Nohuaren!" before expanding into warm four-part harmony for "Erinmwin vbagbon vuon n'uyi rue" (Heaven and earth are full of your glory). The mood then shifts into a joyful, rhythmic drive for the Hosanna section ("Oghue vbehe no yo see"), capturing the celebratory spirit of welcoming the Lord.

This setting is a wonderful choice for Masses in Edo-speaking regions or for any choir looking to broaden their repertoire of indigenous Mass parts. The straightforward solfa notation and intuitive voice leading make it highly accessible, ensuring the choir can focus on the prayerful energy of the text rather than struggling with complex notes.