Avware Juru We

"Avware Juru We" is a vibrant Urhobo choral anthem of thanksgiving and praise. The title translates to a call to praise God, and the piece is filled with joyful declarations of His goodness, holiness, and power. With its rhythmic vitality and rich harmonies, it is a favorite for festive occasions in the Nigerian Catholic Church.

Choirs typically sing this piece during the Offertory or as a grand Entrance hymn, especially during harvest celebrations and thanksgiving Masses. The music features dynamic interplay between the voice parts, including expressive solos for Soprano and Tenor that soar above the choir's steady accompaniment. The repeated calls of "Jiro Oghene" (Praise God) and "Erhio fuafo" (Holy Spirit) create a deeply uplifting atmosphere, inviting the entire congregation to join in magnifying the Lord.

The final page of the score bears the inscription "Magnifying the Lord, with songs of Thanksgiving," which perfectly captures the spirit of the composition. As the voices weave together through the complex, through-composed sections, the anthem builds to a resounding climax of praise. It requires careful rehearsal to master the overlapping entries, but the result is a powerful offering of worship from the choir loft.