Edo Mass - Sir Felix Ogie Odia

Singing the parts of the Mass in our native languages brings a special kind of warmth to the liturgy, and this complete Edo Mass setting by Felix Ogie Odia does exactly that. Written in 1995, the score provides a unified musical journey through the Eucharistic celebration, from the pleading notes of the "Noyaemwan Tohan Mwan" (Kyrie) to the joyful praise of the "Uyi Ogho Osa" (Gloria).

What makes this setting particularly useful for choir directors is how it gathers the core liturgical texts—including the "Arowa Nohuaren" (Sanctus), the Lord's Prayer ("Erha Mwan"), and the "Oviohuan Osa" (Agnus Dei)—into one cohesive solfa arrangement. The melodies are crafted as duets for male and female voices, giving the piece a conversational and deeply communal feel that works wonderfully for both small vocal ensembles and full parish choirs.

When a congregation hears the familiar prayers of the Mass sung in Edo, it bridges the gap between the solemnity of the Catholic rite and the heart of local devotion. The gentle, rhythmic flow of the language fits naturally into Odia's vocal lines, making this Mass setting a wonderful choice for Sundays and feast days in Edo-speaking parishes.