Obuyi 'Tohanmwan

"Obuyi 'Tohanmwan" is a deeply moving Edo choral piece that centers on a plea for God's mercy and salvation. The title points to the Lord of compassion, and the lyrics carry the weight of a congregation bringing their vulnerabilities before the altar. With phrases like "Laho do mie fan" (Please come and save us) and "Jesu to h'ima" (Jesus have mercy on us), it serves beautifully as a penitential song or a solemn prayer of supplication during Mass.

The arrangement by Ihaza Vincent, Mokwenye Joseph, and Odia Kingsley weaves the voices together in a way that feels both urgent and reverent. The sopranos lead the soaring calls for deliverance, while the underlying harmonies provide a rich, grounding texture. As the piece moves from its opening cries into the verses praising God's enduring goodness, it reminds the choir and the congregation that even in our pleas for mercy, we never lose sight of thanksgiving.