Shimi Awyida Bwa (Keep My Commandment)

"Shimi Awyida Bwa" (Keep My Commandment) is a vibrant choral piece by Abel Obaje that brings the lively sounds of the Gbagyi language into the choir loft. Written with a driving, rhythmic pulse, the score specifically calls for traditional local instruments—gourd maracas, a bass drum, and the agaga—to anchor the melody. It is a song of instruction and faithfulness, echoing the call to hold fast to the commandments of the Lord in our daily lives.

Re-written for the Veritas Chaplaincy choir's presentation at the FILM Festival, this piece shines as a special concert anthem. The music builds through layered, repeating vocal lines and energetic percussion cues, creating an atmosphere of joyful obedience and communal celebration. For a choir looking to incorporate indigenous Nigerian rhythms into a festival or cultural day, this arrangement offers a wonderful opportunity to sing with both deep faith and vibrant energy.