VENITE

"Venite" is a vibrant Igbo setting of Psalm 95 (Venite, exultemus Domino), the great invitatory psalm that has called Christians to morning prayer for centuries. Composed by D. M. Okongwu in 1972, this piece captures the joyful urgency of the psalmist’s invitation: "Bịanụ k'anyị tikusie Jehova mkpu ọṅụ" (O come, let us sing unto the Lord).

The arrangement is structured to reflect the communal nature of worship, moving dynamically between a cantor's call, full choir antiphons, and smaller vocal groups. Okongwu uses these shifts to bring out the different moods of the text. The opening sections are full of bright, majestic praise for the Creator who holds the deep places of the earth and the heights of the mountains.

As the song reaches its final variation, the tone shifts to a solemn warning: "Taa ọ bụrụ n'unu ege ntị olu ya, unu emena ka obi unu sie ike" (Today if you hear his voice, harden not your hearts). The interplay between the soprano solo and the choir's repeated response creates a deeply moving moment of reflection. It is a wonderful piece for morning liturgies, retreats, or any gathering where the choir wants to lead the congregation into a spirit of profound reverence and praise.