OTE NKWU

"Ote Nkwu" is a vibrant choral arrangement by the renowned Nigerian composer Laz Ekwueme, drawing directly from Igbo cultural life. The words evoke the lively, communal atmosphere of gathering around a palm wine tapper, celebrating the traditional craft. Rather than a liturgical hymn, this is a classic folk piece often performed by choirs during cultural festivals, concerts, and joyful gatherings like traditional weddings.

The brilliance of Ekwueme’s arrangement lies in how the choir becomes its own percussion section. The lower voices maintain a rhythmic, driving ostinato—singing "Igbam chikili, chin chin chin"—that sets a festive, earthy groove. Over this rhythmic bed, a tenor soloist and the sopranos call out for the fresh drink ("bute mmanya nkwu"), creating a dynamic interplay that is incredibly fun to rehearse and always energises an audience.