WE GIVE GLORY TO GOD

When the opening notes of the Gloria ring out from the choir loft, it signals a shift in the Mass from penitence to pure, joyful praise. Kingsley Anaeje’s "We Give Glory To God" captures this exact feeling. Written with a bright, driving tempo, this setting of the great liturgical hymn invites the whole church to lift their voices in celebration. The refrain is incredibly catchy, anchoring the congregation with the repeated, uplifting phrase, "We give glory to the Lord."

What makes this arrangement so effective for Nigerian Catholic choirs is how it handles the lengthy text of the Gloria. Instead of a heavy, through-composed piece that leaves the assembly behind, Anaeje breaks the traditional English words into rhythmic, manageable verses. The choir leads the congregation through the familiar prayers, praising God the Father, pleading for mercy from the Son, and glorifying the Holy Spirit, while seamlessly looping back to the energetic refrain.

It is a wonderful choice for festive Sunday Masses, Easter, and Christmas, where the joy of the liturgy needs to be felt as much as it is heard. The straightforward solfa notation and clear call-and-response structure mean that a choir can learn it quickly, yet it sounds full and vibrant when accompanied by lively percussion and keys.