EKERESIMESI ELUTEGO

"Ekeresimesi Elutego" is a vibrant, rhythmic Christmas anthem by Jude Nnam that announces the joy of the Savior's birth. The title translates to "Christmas has arrived," and the music captures the sheer excitement of the season in the Nigerian Catholic church. From the opening notes, the choir bursts into a festive celebration, calling the congregation to rejoice because Christ, the Son of God, has come.

What makes this piece especially fun for choirs to sing is how the vocal parts mimic traditional instruments. While the sopranos carry the bright melody calling to "ring the bells" (Kua mgbirigba), the lower voices provide a driving, percussive accompaniment, imitating the sounds of drums and gongs with rhythmic chants of "gbam gbam" and "korom korom." It creates a lively, polyphonic texture that sounds like a full village ensemble right in the choir loft.

The verses beautifully recount the nativity story—from Jesus born in a manger and Mary wrapping Him in swaddling clothes, to the shepherds in the fields and the three wise men following the star. It is a perfect choice for a Christmas Day Mass, whether used as a grand entrance hymn or a joyful recessional to send the congregation out in high spirits.