Abi Jesu Oyenmwẹn Nọ

When a choir begins "Abi Jesu Oyenmwẹn Nọ," the atmosphere in the church immediately shifts to celebration. The title itself announces the core message: the birth of Jesus brings immense joy. Written in Edo, this piece captures the vibrant, rhythmic excitement of the Christmas season, making it a perfect fit for Nativity feasts and carol services.

The arrangement opens with a striking feature—a Male Town Crier who calls the community to attention, announcing the arrival of the newborn King just as a traditional herald would. Following this dramatic introduction, the full choir bursts into a lively, syncopated chorus of "Oyenmwẹn nọ" (It is joy!). The music weaves through different textures, including a delicate soprano solo and a duet, before returning to the full, jubilant harmony.

For a choir director, this song is a wonderful way to bring indigenous storytelling into the liturgy. The call-and-response feel, combined with the rhythmic drive of the Edo text, invites the congregation to share in the gladness of the season. It is a piece that doesn't just tell the story of Christmas, but makes the whole church feel the celebration.