EKENE MARIA.

"Ekene Maria" is a vibrant and deeply rhythmic Marian hymn composed by Rev. Fr. Dominic Igwe. Sung in Igbo with the familiar Latin greeting woven into its refrain, the piece is a joyful celebration of the Blessed Virgin Mary. The choir opens with a gentle, reverent solo call of "Ave Maria" before breaking into a lively, syncopated refrain that praises Mary as the one full of grace ("Ị jupụtara n'amara Nne") and a good mother ("ezigbo Nne").

The verses draw the congregation into specific moments of Mary's intercession and motherhood. In the first verse, the choir sings of her unique position among all women and recalls her powerful intercession at the wedding feast of Cana in Galilee, asking her to plead for us in the same way. The second verse shifts focus to the fruit of her womb, Jesus. While the sopranos sing a joyful, repeating litany blessing the child Jesus, the lower voices—particularly the tenors—drive the rhythm forward with rich, polyphonic praises declaring Him King and Messiah.

This piece is a wonderful choice for Marian feast days, the month of October, or as an Offertory meditation when honoring Our Lady. Its bright tempo and engaging harmonies make it a favorite for Nigerian Catholic choirs, lifting the hearts of the faithful in confident, joyful prayer to the Mother of God.