OBILIGO

"Obiligo" is a triumphant Easter proclamation that rings out from the choir loft on Resurrection Sunday. Written by Jude Nnam, the title translates to "He has risen," and the music captures the sheer joy and victory of Christ conquering death. The refrain is an energetic call to rejoice, bringing out the best in a choir as the voices declare that the power of the enemy has failed and the mighty warrior in battle ("Odogwu n'agha") has won the ultimate victory.

The verses take the congregation on a journey through the Paschal mystery. We start in the sorrow of Gethsemane and the crucifixion, before moving to the early morning of the third day. The lyrics beautifully narrate the women searching for Jesus at the tomb, their initial weeping, and the angel's glorious instruction to go to Galilee. By the final verse, the song breaks into a taunt against death itself—"Ọnwụ olee ike gị" (Death, where is your power?)—culminating in a joyful Alleluia. It is a perfect piece for Easter Sunday Mass, lifting the hearts of everyone in the church.