OTITO DIRI CHINEKE Missa Ihunanya

"Otito Diri Chineke" from Jude Nnam's *Missa Ihunanya* (Mass of Love) is a vibrant and deeply rhythmic setting of the Gloria. Sung entirely in Igbo, it captures the joyful, celebratory spirit that defines the Gloria in Nigerian Catholic worship. The piece is structured with a recurring chorus and refrain, allowing the congregation to easily join in the responses while the choir leads the verses.

In the choir loft, this Gloria is often a favorite for festive Masses and Sunday liturgies. The call-and-response format between the cantor or choir sections and the assembly builds a strong sense of communal praise. As the verses progress through the traditional text—praising God the Father, Jesus Christ the only begotten Son, and the Holy Spirit—the energy of the music naturally lifts the congregation.

Nnam’s arrangement uses standard solfa notation to weave a bright, engaging melody, alternating the verses between the upper and lower voices. The final section breaks into a polyphonic "Amen," bringing the hymn of praise to a resounding and majestic close. It is a joyful expression of worship that invites everyone in the church to give glory to God in the highest.