Ya Ubangiji

"Ya Ubangiji" is a deeply reverent setting of the Kyrie eleison, composed by Jude Nnam in Hausa. The title translates to "Lord," and the recurring plea "ka yi mana jin kai" translates to "have mercy on us." In the choir loft, this piece offers a profound moment of reflection during the Penitential Rite, drawing the congregation into a posture of humility and grace before the Mass continues.

Nnam’s arrangement uses a gentle, steady rhythm that allows the voices to weave together in earnest supplication. The Soprano line leads the assembly through the traditional threefold invocation—calling first upon the Lord (Ubangiji), then upon Christ (Kristi)—with soaring "O!"s that add a deeply human cry for mercy. It is a moving, grounding piece that quietly prepares our hearts for the Liturgy of the Word.