There are lots of songs written in the Ibibio Language, the fourth largest tribe in Nigeria, and some of it has gone to be National and international hits example ‘AKANAM NKWE’ by Ann Inyang released in 1996 and today, it’s one of the most engaging Ibibio/Efik songs especially during the praise session in different Gospel gathering, especially, in a Nigerian dominated congregation.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
However, in recent times, there are songs sung in the dialect which are gradually piercing the hearts of many both indigenes and non-indigenes because of their uniqueness and are becoming a regular on their lips.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
There are tens, hundreds, and thousands of those beautiful Ibibio Gospel Songs but in this article, the writer will be looking at the 10 Ibibio Gospel Songs you should have.
BONUS: Aity Dennis – Iberedem Mmi
With over 3 decades of actively being in the Gospel Music Industry, traveling the world, singing, and being a blessing to many, this “Lady of Song” (Aity Dennis) of the AkwaCross region can be defined as the following: energetic, charismatic, unique, dynamic, etc. She has continued dishing out valuable content and “Iberedem Mmi” is one of her newest works released sometime in 2021.
Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
The song whose literal translation from the Ibibio language is “Where I lean my Back on” is a 5minutes, 51seconds piece of art themed around the faith and hope in God on whom we can lean. This song is the believer’s anthem because it is an assurance that God is the only trusted and legit personality to have faith and hope on. This song also contains elements of praise, thanksgiving, and worship.
The mid-tempo Afro-pop genre delivers this beautiful song, with some members of the idiophones and membranophones families laying the foundation for this ‘Afro’ piece. The Electric guitar with the overdrive effect solo gave a different flavor to this song. The 4 part (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) Background Vocals for the chorus is another beauty in this project.
This song is highly recommended for you to enjoy the music and strengthen your faith that He is your Ebenezer | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
10. Margaret Anizor – Ekamba Abasi
This is a danceable tune to listen to and vibe to as well. ‘Ekemba ‘Basi’ means Great God. This song, in particular, is themed on the greatness of God who is the only ruler in the whole universe. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
9. El Mafrex – Adod Ukara
“Ekpe” is a musical genre of the Efik and extension, that of the Ibibios, and, recently, there has been an infusion of this into the Church music scene.
It is on this note that El Mafrex teamed up with Mbomboyo and Comely to create this danceable piece produced by Kris Flib.
The song is a combination of “Ekpe” Beats and Western instrument as the Ibibio, Annang, and Oro flavor makes the song more unique. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD | Free Version
8. Emem Baseda – Otommo Boko
The vocal dexterity of Emem Baseda is so intriguing and beautiful to listen to. The Queen of Finalmix Record has been active in her craft while delivering top-notch pieces like this “Otommo Boko” which is an Afro-gospel genre. The slow and steady nature of the song and the well-programmed instrumentations sets the song in its class.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
The song is God, our refuge. The one we call on and be saved.
The violin riffs and the woodblock timing with the choral feeling the choir gave to create a different uniqueness for this piece. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
7. Progress Effiong – Ama
Afro Soft-rock became part of the Nigerian Gospel Music genre (All thanks to Frank Edwards) and different people have created beautiful pieces of music from it but Progress Effiong stands tall in this – just as his height.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
“Ama” which translates to “Lover” is a 5mins and 26sec piece. It starts with a Piano intro, with 6-7-8-2-3 ascending movements. The first Solo is taken by Progress Effiong, a mixture of English and Ibibio lines, while Favour Eno, featured on this project takes the pre-chorus. The same is done in verse two, and then the first Chorus is a duet between them before the Choral harmonies. The guitar solo at the 3:23s lays a foundation for the “He loves Me” where Progress and Favour take turns in the call and respond with the vocals while doing the ad-libs.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
Ama is one of the 10 Ibibio Gospel Songs you should have. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD | Free Version
6. James Edikan – Ikidi Edibo
“Ikidi Ndibo” is a Praise and Thanksgiving song that is a testament to God’s benevolence. The overall theme of the song centers on we coming to tell God ‘Thank You’. The Niger-Deltans have a unique beat for their Praise session and this song is enveloped in the beat.
The lead guitar is an accompaniment of this song and its solo at some point in the song brought a different flavor to the Music. It’s a track to listen to and enjoy. | DOWNLOAD NOW
5. Eno Michael – Bo Itoro
A Solo/Choral Ballad piece with mid-tempo and thick instrumentation. Beautiful Piano leaks and riffs and syncopation. Eno Michael who is one of the music frontline at the House On the Rock Cathedral Choir in Lagos has been exceptional in her craft. “Bo Itoro” is one of her beautiful songs.
This is a dual version with the first edition jazzier than the remix featuring Utibe Williams. The Saxophone lines from Utibe more colour and flavour to this music.
It is worth listening and giving God thanks for all He has done which is the literal translation of the song. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD | Free Version
4. Mercy Chinwo – Udeme Mmi
Yeah, Mercy Chinwo is too good that her song “Udeme” which means ‘Share or Portion’ is the next after “Bor Ekom”. Observationally, there is always an Ibibio track as the second track of her albums. “Udeme” is the second track of Mercy Chinwo’s second album tagged “Satisfied”.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
It is a full-blown High-life track with an Electric guitar intro with some strings section in the last 4 bars before the entrance of the first verse, with some Nsak, Triangle, Lead Guitar riffs, Bass Guitar at the low end, and, an absence of the Kick drum, while every instrument comes and the ‘b’ section of the composition. The chorus of the song is all in unison till the harmonies “sosongho” part. There is a part of this song where Mercy Chinwo showed her mastery of the ‘sol-fa notation’ of music.
The song is centered on the wonderful love of God as our portion and inheritance. it explains the Salvation gifts that are embedded in God’s love. This song is massively streamed and played on different media houses and platforms. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
3. Bobby Friga – Owo’Do
A beautiful Afro-spiritual Chant genre, characterized by Thanksgiving lyrics. A song of gratitude, an outpour of gratefulness. A song that explains that our Salvation is from Jesus Christ, “Owo’do” is not just a song but an attitude, a feeling, a mood to bask in, and an experience to have.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
The musical simplicity of this song with a 1-5-4-1 chord progression starts with a Piano, Pad Synth, Violin runs, and vocal chants. The progression is the same all through the song.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
“Owo’do” is a song that one’s played, it will become a repeat on your player because it is soothing to the soul even to the non-Ibibio or Efik speakers. This is an all-time evergreen piece. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD | Free Version
2. Nathaniel Bassey – Oh Jehovah
A popular folk gospel piece that means we extolling God’s name on high. The legendary Nathaniel Bassey with just Piano, Synth, Trumpet, and Background Vocals created gold in just 3 minutes and 15 seconds. The change of tonal centers in song to brings aesthetics into the music as well.
This song is perfect for your moments of personal and cooperative worship. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
1. Mercy Chinwo – Bor Ekom
The identity of Mercy Chinwo could be a little bit confusing to some of the Ibibios and Efiks especially, because of her fluency in their language and the difference in her surname. Well, Mercy being a Granddaughter of this region has been the reason for her singing with some much depth of the language.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
“Bor Ekom” which means “Receive Praise or Thanks” is the second track on her maiden Studio album titled “The Cross; My Gaze” released by the record label she is signed to EeZee Conceptz.
It is a 6:10 timer music that starts with an acoustic guitar intro on the first 4 bars with Talking Drums and Woodblock coming in on the 5th bar to complete the 8 bars of the intro. Then come voice, pad synth. There is a scatting interlude employed by Mercy which shows her proficiency and ownership of her craft; then is the chorus sang in harmony with some trumpet underground riffs and runs.
The song is a fusion of High-life (tho with less instrumentation) and the Afro-spiritual Chant genre.
Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
This song is massively streamed on different digital platforms, since its release in 2018. | STREAM/DOWNLOAD
The Above are the 10 Ibibio Gospel Songs you should have or listen to as they are soul-lifting and well produced.
10 Top Ibibio Gospel Songs
Akwa Ibomite are bless is with great natural gifts!
