Alleluia! Ọ Rhiọkpaegbe

“Alleluia! Ọ Rhiọkpaegbe” is a triumphant Easter anthem sung in the Edo language. The title itself announces the core message of the season: “Alleluia! He is Risen.” It opens with a solemn, reflective adagio section for male cantors, recalling Christ's suffering under Pontius Pilate and His descent into death, before bursting into a bright, fast-paced allegro that declares His victory over the grave.

In the choir loft, this piece is a thrilling challenge and a joy to sing. The arrangement moves dynamically through different textures—from the opening male voices to full unison passages praising God the Father (“Sanobua Evbavba”), and later featuring female cantors leading the call to worship the mighty King (“Ọba nọ kpọlọ”). The repeated “Alleluia”s and the taunting of death (“Uwu, obirue vboo?” - Death, where is your sting?) create a powerful sense of momentum and celebration.

Choirs typically reserve an elaborate motet like this for Easter Sunday Mass or special festive concerts during the Easter season. It captures the sheer exuberance of the resurrection morning. When the voices finally unite in the closing cascade of Alleluias, it leaves the congregation uplifted, fully immersed in the reality that Christ has conquered death.