E JE KA JO YO

"E Je Ka Jo Yo" (Let us rejoice together) is a bright, rhythmic Christmas carol that brings an unmistakable Nigerian highlife feel to the celebration of the Nativity. Written by David Aina and later provided with English lyrics by Laz Ekwueme, it is a staple for choirs during the festive season. The syncopated highlife tempo immediately gets the choir and congregation swaying, capturing the pure joy of welcoming the newborn Saviour.

The piece opens with a lively call to rejoice and dance, setting a festive mood that carries through the entire arrangement. After the full choir establishes the refrain, the verses offer moments for different sections to shine. The sopranos take the lead in the second verse, proclaiming Christ as the Prince of Peace, while the tenors and basses drive the narrative of the three wise men in the third verse.

Singing this carol is always a highlight of Christmas concerts and Mass during the season. The bilingual text allows choirs to blend the rich, tonal beauty of Yoruba with English, making it accessible and deeply moving for diverse congregations. It is a song that doesn't just announce the birth of Jesus; it invites everyone in the pews to join the celebration with their voices and their feet.