MATUE MARIA

"Matue Maria" is a deeply reverent Marian anthem composed by Daniel Ebhomien, sung in the Esan language. The title translates to a warm greeting to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and the lyrics carry a heartfelt petition for her intercession and maternal care. From the very first measure, the choir builds a gentle, flowing harmony that feels like a collective prayer, asking our Mother to look upon us and help us in this world.

The arrangement is beautifully structured for a full choir. After the opening choral sections establish the main theme, the piece opens up into a moving Soprano or Tenor solo. Here, the soloist leads the prayer to Mary, the Immaculate Conception, while the rest of the voices provide a soft, rhythmic foundation underneath. It is the kind of dynamic shift that brings a quiet hush over the congregation, drawing everyone into a moment of personal reflection.

Worship leaders will find this piece especially fitting for May and October devotions, Marian feast days, or as a meditative anthem during the Offertory. The vocal parts are expressive and well-paced, giving the choir plenty of room to shape the phrasing and bring out the deep devotion embedded in the words.