Five Nigerian Songs for Solo Voice and Piano

The five songs in this collection are based on languages spoken among the three major ethnic groups in Nigeria--Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and English, that is the official national language. "Oluwa Gbo Adura Mi" is a prayer song that appeals to God to answer a specific request. It should be sung with emotion and reverence as if in the presence of the Lord. "Ale Ti Le" enunciates the virtues of a good mother and it is an aria in three distinct sections. "Imela Chinekem" is a song of joy and thanksgiving to God for His goodness and it is an original composition. "Akoi Wata Geri" is based on a popular folk song from the Hausa ethnic group of northern Nigeria. In compliance with the theoretical principles of Nigerian traditional music, the melody of this song is set to mirror the Hausa texts. "They That Wait Upon the Lord" was composed at Ile-Ife, Osun State, in southwest of Nigeria, in 1985. The text is derived from Isaiah 40: 31, but the melodic line of the song and piano accompaniment are original.