YA DAN TUNKIYA NA ALLAH

"Ya Dan Tunkiya na Allah" is a Hausa setting of the Agnus Dei, composed by Kadah Emmanuel. Choirs sing this invocation during the fraction rite of the Mass, just before the congregation approaches the altar for Communion. The words carry the ancient petition of the Church, recognizing Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Marked Allegretto, the music moves with a gentle, steady walking pace rather than a slow dirge. The four-part harmony is written entirely in solfa notation, keeping the parts accessible for the choir loft. For the first two times, the voices unite in asking for mercy ("Kayi mana Jinkai"), before shifting in the final repetition to the prayer for peace ("Ka bamu salama").

It is a straightforward, prayerful piece that fits naturally into the liturgy. The familiar structure allows the congregation to join their hearts to the choir's petition, preparing everyone for the quiet reverence of the Eucharistic banquet.