OGIE NO S'OGIE

"Ogie No S'ogie" is a magnificent Edo choral anthem that translates to "King of Kings." Composed by David Irobonosen for the St. Peter's Chaplaincy Choir at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, the piece is a grand, sweeping proclamation of Christ's eternal kingship. From its opening tenor solo calling the people to lift their heads, the music unfolds into a massive celebration of praise, complete with traditional percussion rhythms driving the choir forward.

The arrangement is highly dynamic, moving from the majestic full-choir declarations of "Jesu ogie" (Jesus is King) to a deeply reverent, slow section where the choir joins the elders of heaven in singing "Holy, Holy, Holy" to Osanudazi (God). It is a tour de force for a dedicated choir, perfect for major feast days like Christ the King, Easter, or grand concert performances where the sheer scale of the voices and instruments can truly shine.

What makes this piece so moving is the constant, joyful interplay between the soloists and the choir. As the tenor leads the call to rejoice, the choir responds with an unwavering "Wa siw'oghogho" (Sing for joy). It is a song that demands everything from its singers and leaves the congregation uplifted, swept up in the undeniable triumph of the King of Kings.