Onwa Eshie (Egwu Onwa Maka Omumu Jesu)

"Onwa Eshie" is a vibrant Christmas choral piece that frames the Nativity of Jesus through the lens of a traditional Igbo moonlight play (egwu ọnwa). The song opens with a soloist setting the scene of a bright, starry night where something unusual is happening, asking the village what the commotion is about. The choir responds with the joyful news: a Savior, the Messiah, has been born in Judea.

What makes this piece particularly engaging for choirs and congregations is its deep cultural resonance. The composer weaves traditional rhythmic chants and the vocal imitation of indigenous instruments directly into the choral parts. Singers mimic the sounds of the udu (pot drum) and ogene (metal gong) with playful, percussive syllables like "kpakpangolo," "kpango tingo," and "nwerente."

During Christmas concerts or festive Masses, this song brings an unmistakable energy to the celebration. It moves away from quiet, snowy manger scenes and instead welcomes the newborn King with the communal warmth, dancing, and rhythmic celebration typical of a Nigerian village gathering under the moonlight.