Ondu Chejumomi & Ojima Ch'eyi Ojo

"Ondu Chejumomi" and "Ojima Ch'eyi Ojo" form a unified, uplifting setting of the Penitential Rite and the Gloria, composed by Omachi Michael Arome in the Igala language. Handwritten for the diocesan choir of the Catholic Diocese of Idah in Kogi State, this piece was specially prepared for a priestly ordination in the summer of 2009. The opening Kyrie ("Ondu chejumomi wa") sets a reverent, pleading tone, allowing the congregation to center themselves in a prayer for God's mercy before the celebration truly begins.

The mood lifts entirely as the music transitions into the Gloria ("Ojima ch'eyi Ojo"). Here, the choir breaks into a bright and rhythmic proclamation of praise. The refrain invites everyone to exalt God in the highest, while the four verses walk faithfully through the traditional Gloria text. From blessing the Father ("Ata") to acknowledging the Lamb of God ("Yesu Kristi"), the Igala translation gives the ancient hymn a deeply local and joyful resonance.

Singing the Mass parts in the mother tongue brings the liturgy closer to the people, and this solfa arrangement captures that spirit perfectly. It is a wonderful example of Nigerian Catholic choral music—written not just for performance, but to help a specific community pray, celebrate, and lift their voices together on a major feast day.