Ọwụ Na Mbilite Christi

"Ọwụ Na Mbilite Christi" (Death and Resurrection of Christ) is a dramatic, through-composed choral anthem that brings the events of Holy Week and Easter Sunday to life. Written by Stanley S.A Anih, the piece was composed as a motet entry for the FILM 2019 choral festival in Abuja. It demands a choir ready to embrace storytelling, shifting rapidly between sorrow, intense conflict, and explosive joy.

The music opens plaintively, reflecting on Christ’s suffering for our sins. It quickly transitions into a tense, theatrical narrative where soloists take on the roles of the Narrator, the Chief Priest, and Pilate. The choir acts as the furious crowd, aggressively demanding the crucifixion with shouts of "E kpọgbue ya" (Crucify him). Just as the sorrow peaks with Christ's death, the tempo suddenly changes. The choir erupts into a fast-paced, triumphant celebration of the Resurrection, singing "Alleluia, Christi ebiliwo n'ọnwụ" (Christ has risen from death). It is a thrilling piece for a concert or an Easter Sunday celebration, giving singers the chance to perform the complete journey from the cross to the empty tomb.