MAMA MARIA

Emma Orji’s "Mama Maria" is a bright, joyful Igbo Marian hymn written specifically to honour the Blessed Virgin Mary on the Feast of the Assumption. The melody moves with a lively, celebratory step (marked *Allegretto con brio*), capturing the joy of the Church as it looks to Mary, the Queen of Heaven and Earth.

The verses are filled with beautiful, traditional titles for Our Lady. The choir sings of her as *Anyanwu ututu* (the Morning Star) and *Acharugo nwanyi* (a woman of perfect beauty), asking for her intercession as a good mother (*ezigbo nne*). The second verse directly references her Assumption (*elugoro n'igwe*), making it a perfect fit for August 15th, while the final verse turns to her as a compassionate mother who intercedes for sinners before Christ. It is a wonderful piece for Marian feasts, processions, or as a joyful recessional hymn.