Som Nyame (Serve the Lord) Twi - Ghana

"Som Nyame" is a lively and rhythmic Ghanaian folk hymn composed by Jude Nnam. Sung entirely in Twi, the title translates simply to "Serve the Lord." It is the kind of energetic, straightforward piece that immediately lifts the spirit of a congregation, making it a wonderful choice for an Entrance procession or a joyful Recessional as the people go forth. The repeating refrain is catchy and easy for the assembly to pick up, allowing the whole church to join the choir in the call to worship.

The verses carry a sobering but essential message wrapped in a bright melody. They remind us of our ultimate accountability to God: "Adze biara ebee ye, ibe obu ho akunta" (Whatsoever you do, you must account for it), and "Se papata se bonea" (Whether it is good or bad). This balance of a joyful, dancing rhythm with a serious lyrical theme is a hallmark of many great West African liturgical songs. It encourages the faithful to serve the Lord with gladness while remaining mindful of how they live their daily lives.

In this particular arrangement, the composer playfully passes the melody around the choir. While the Sopranos lead the first verse, subsequent sections on the score allow the Alto, Tenor, and Bass lines to take the lead with the melody, giving each section of the choir loft a moment to shine. It keeps the singers engaged and adds a wonderful layer of vocal variety to the performance.