OKHIALE (SANCTUS IN ESAN)

"Okhiale" and "Ohuan Noso'senobla" bring the solemnity of the Eucharistic liturgy into the Esan language, offering a reverent setting of the Sanctus and Agnus Dei. Composed by David Irobonosen, this combined score provides choirs with two essential Mass parts tailored for indigenous worship.

The Sanctus ("Okhiale") opens with a majestic declaration of God's holiness, building into a joyful and rhythmic "Otiti bhe'je khokhun ne" (Hosanna in the highest). The Agnus Dei ("Ohuan Noso'senobla") follows with a gentle, pleading melody, asking the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world to have mercy on us ("re na ma").

Sung during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, these pieces help the congregation enter deeply into the mystery of the Mass. The natural flow of the Esan language paired with the structured four-part harmony makes it a beautiful choice for solemnities and Sunday worship in the local church.