MISSA IFUNANYA - NSO NSO NSO

When the preface concludes and the altar is prepared, the choir leads the congregation into the Sanctus, one of the most ancient and joyful acclamations of the Mass. Jude Nnam’s "Nso Nso Nso," from his beloved Missa Ifunanya (Mass of Love), brings a distinctively vibrant energy to this sacred moment.

The arrangement is built on a rhythmic, cascading repetition of the word "Nso" (Holy), creating a sense of continuous praise that mirrors the unceasing song of the angels. As the sopranos carry the familiar Igbo text—declaring "Eligwe n'ala juputara n'ebube Gị" (Heaven and earth are full of your glory)—the lower voices provide a steady, driving foundation that keeps the momentum moving forward.

Choirs across Nigeria love this setting for its bright, uplifting tempo and its natural flow. The transition into the "Hozana n'elu kach'elu" is particularly moving, lifting the spirit of the whole church as they welcome the one who comes in the name of the Lord. It is a piece that perfectly balances deep liturgical reverence with the warmth of indigenous worship.