DUBAM! AGỌN'A TAMARAU LA

"Dubam! Agọn'a Tamarau La" is a vibrant, majestic setting of the Gloria in the Ijaw (Izon) language. Arranged by Funkeye Tubotu from a traditional Izon melody, this piece captures the profound joy and reverence of the angelic hymn. From the opening burst of praise to God in the highest ("Dubami agọn'a Tamarau la") down to the concluding "Amen," the arrangement grounds the ancient liturgical text in a deeply indigenous musical cadence.

For a choir, this is a wonderful choice for festive Masses, solemnities, and Sunday liturgies outside of Advent and Lent. The score is structured into distinct sections that follow the natural progression of the Gloria—moving from exultant thanksgiving to the solemn petition to the Lamb of God ("Kịrakpọsẹibo kọn sin min'owẹi"), and finally rising again in the declaration of Christ's holiness with the Holy Spirit.

Singing the Mass parts in the local tongue always brings a special kind of participation to the liturgy. When the choir raises this traditional melody, it invites the congregation to offer their praise and worship in a voice that feels like home, making the familiar words of the Gloria resonate with fresh, cultural vitality.