YA UBANGIJI

"Ya Ubangiji" is a Hausa setting of the Kyrie, composed by Jude Nnam. Sung during the Penitential Rite of the Mass, it is a moment for the choir and congregation to call upon God's mercy before the Liturgy of the Word begins. As noted on the score itself, the words "Ya Ubangiji Kayi mana jin kai" carry the traditional liturgical plea: Lord, have mercy.

The arrangement uses a layered, polyphonic style familiar to many Nigerian choirs. The voices weave together, repeating the central petition in a way that feels both urgent and deeply reverent. During the Christe section, the parts enter in a staggered, conversational pattern before uniting again. It is a moving piece that brings a profound sense of solemnity and grace to the choir loft.