OORE-OFE RE

"Oore-Ofe Re" is a deeply moving Yoruba Lenten hymn composed by Collins Ifejika Nworie. The song is a heartfelt prayer of repentance, reflecting on Christ's sacrifice on the cross ("iwókú lórí àgbélébùú") and the singer's own struggles with human weakness. The lyrics express a profound sorrow for repeatedly falling into sin despite good intentions, making it a highly relatable and emotional piece for any believer seeking God's grace.

The arrangement is beautifully structured, beginning with the full choir setting a scene of contrition. As the piece progresses, a tenor soloist takes the lead with a powerful litany invoking the passion, death, and ultimate victory of Jesus over sin and eternal death. Beneath this solo, the choir provides a steady, prayerful response, pleading "Gbami ninú àánú re" (Save me in your mercy).

Perfect for the Lenten season, penitential services, or as a reflective piece during Holy Week, this composition invites the congregation into a space of deep spiritual reflection. The inclusion of traditional percussion instruments like the Agogo, Shekere, and Gangan in the score adds a rich, indigenous rhythmic texture to this solemn and sacred prayer.