Bofi

"Bofi" is a deeply inviting Ijaw communion hymn that calls the faithful to the Eucharistic table. As noted right on the score, the title translates to "Come and eat," setting a tone of profound hospitality and spiritual nourishment. When a choir raises this piece during Mass, it serves as a gentle but urgent invitation for the congregation to approach the altar and receive the Body and Blood of Christ.

The verses walk us through the mystery of the Eucharist, moving from the call to eat ("Kime sese bofi") and drink ("bouo"), to explicitly naming the bread of Jesus Christ ("Zesu Kristi buru"). The recurring promise throughout the song is "fagha fagha akpor yerin"—everlasting life. The chorus creates a beautiful dialogue between the voice parts, with the lower voices carrying the moving lines while the sopranos hold steady, echoing the invitation to partake in God's holy gifts. It is a piece that grounds the solemnity of Communion in the familiar, communal warmth of indigenous Nigerian worship, reminding everyone in the pews that the heavenly banquet is prepared for them.