Edited by Azizi Powell
This post showcases a video of and English lyrics for two Gospel songs that are performed by UB Press Singers (University of Buea (Cameroon, West Africa) Presbyterian Church Singers.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, religious, and aesthetic purposes.
All copyrights remain with their owners.
****
FEATURED VIDEO : U. B. Press-Sinsgers
Uploaded by pascaltakwe on Mar 27, 2008
u.b. press singers of Buea, Cameroon
****
LYRIC NOTES
Editor: The title that is superimposed as text in this video is
"UB Press Singers
Manyu Medley"
-snip-
I'm not sure if the UB Press Singers is the same group as the UB choir. Here are comments about the UB choir from two other video uploaders:
From http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyMFbHzHIUs hereafter given as "YouTube video UB Choir Manyu Medley":
[Songs in that UB Choir video are described as a] "Manyu medley, a series of songs/choruses in the MAnyu dialect; one of the dialects of the South West Region of Cameroon."
**
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVMGnODF4Og
..."Welcome to UB Friends, we say welcome with the strength of UB the strength of Cameroon we say welcome Being a chorister of the University of Buea Choir, I must say it's prestigious…
The group was established in 1993 to perform at the school's matriculation ceremony. Thereafter, the members decided to continue it as a way to praise God and promote cultural diversity...
Currently the choir has 65 members who come from diverse ethnic backgrounds...
While singing songs to glorify the Almighty God, we have the cultural aspects of our country embedded in these renditions, which gives it a different color, which makes it unique from any other kind of singing to show that we are truly and purely Cameroonian...
We sing in Kom, in Douala, Ewondo. (Bassa.)
We sing all languages in Cameroon and all languages in the world
-snip-
The English lyrics to the two Gospel that are featured in this post are superimposed on the video screen. Their tune and tempo appear to me to be very similar.
****
LYRICS [as found on the video screen]
Song #1: THE WORD OF GOD HAS COME*
[Kenyang version]
The Word of God has come.
Let all the earth tremble.
The Word of God has come.
Let all the earth tremble.
The Word of God has come.
Let all the earth tremble.
The Word of God has come.
Let all the earth tremble.
Let all the earth tremble.
Let all the earth tremble
Let all the earth tremble
The Word of God has come.
Let all the earth tremble
[Sing the entire portion above several times.]
* I don't know what "Kenyang" in "Kenyang version" means.
This is a suggested title. I don't know what the actual title is for this song.
Perhaps the title is "The Word Of God". A comment from "YouTube video UB Choir Manyu Medley" indicates that "Eyom Abasi means the word of God." [posted by Ewinst Sema, 2010]. That video is entitled "University of Buea Choir; Eyum Obhasi The Word of God, Manyu Medley Remix 3"
****
Song #2: HE CREATED ME *
I have something to say
to he who created me.
I have something to say
to he who created me.
God Almighty
Eh eh He created me.
Eh eh He created me, God almighty.
I have something to say
to he who created me.
I have something to say
to he who created me.
God Almighty
Eh eh He created me,
Eh eh He created me, God almighty.
He created my mother.
He created my father.
He created me,
He created my mother.
He created my father.
He created me.
Eh God Almighty
Eh eh He created me,
Eh eh He created me, God almighty.
He created my mother.
He created my father.
He created me,
He created my mother.
He created my father.
He created me.
[Repeat entire portion several times and end with these words.]
Eh eh He created me.
God Almighty
*This is a suggested title. I don't know what the actual title is for this song.
Corrections or additions welcome.
If you know the titles for these songs, and more information about them including the language and the lyrics in that language, please share that by posting a comment or emailing me at cocojams17@yahoo.com. Thanks in advance.
****
RELATED COMMENT & LINK
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Buea
"University of Buea or Université de Buea is located in Buea in South West Cameroon near Mount Cameroon. It was founded as a university centre in 1985 and it became a university in 1992 on basis of government decree. It is one of the two English speaking universities alongside the newly created university of Bamenda in Cameroon"..,
****
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND THANKS
Thanks to the composers of these songs and the choreographers and vocalists featured in this video.
Thanks also to the uploader of this video.
Finally, thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Showing posts with label African Gospel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label African Gospel. Show all posts
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Friday, January 13, 2012
Various Interpretations Of The Nigerian Song "Ise Oluwa"
Edited by Azizi Powell
"Ise Oluwa" (e-shay o-loo-wah) may be the most widely known African religious song among non-African people throughout the world. Here are eight renditions of and comments about that Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) religious song.
An English translation of lyrics to that song is included towards the end of this post.
FEATURED EXAMPLES
[Latest Update- December 30, 2018]
These examples are not given in any particular order.
Example #1: Solomon Ilori & his Afro-Drum Ensemble - Ise Oluwa (God's work is indestructible)
AbeokutA MusiC, Published on Apr 30, 2017
From "Solomon Ilori And His Afro-Drum Ensemble - African High Life"
Blue Note - BST 84136 (LP) - US , 1963
Written by Solomon Ilori -- Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder on April 25, 1963 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Vocals, Talking Drum, Guitar, Penny Whistle – Solomon Ilori
Sakara Drum, Cowbell – Josiah Ilori
Congas – Chief Bey , Montego Joe
Congas, Shekere, Cowbell – Robert Crowder
Congas, Xylophone, Cowbell – Garvin Masseaux
Alto Sax, Flute – Hosea Taylor
Bass – Ahmed Abdul-Malik
Directed by Coleridge Perkinson
[...]
Song: Ise Oluwa (2006 Remastered Version)
Artist: Solomon Ilori
Album: Blue Note Trip Tease Part 2
****
Example #2: Ise Oluwa [The Work of the Lord] by Godwin Sadoh
Uploaded by Godwin Sadoh (gsadoh007) on Dec 31, 2008
Ise Oluwa is a Nigerian Christian Song. There are various settings of this Yoruba song. I have another version for SATB with piano accompaniment published by Wayne Leupold Editions, 2006. Godwin Sadoh--Piano accompanist.
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's viewer comment thread. The comment was written in response to another person writing that "Ise Oluwa" was a Yoruba folk song:
"Ise Oluwa" is not a folk song. It is actually a Yoruba Christian song composed by one of the pioneers of Yoruba church music, that is, choirmaster and organist, in the early 20th century. There are several arrangements of the tune for vocal and instrumental ensembles by Nigerian professionally trained composers such as Samuel Akpabot, Laz Ekwueme, Joshua Uzoigwe, and Godwin Sadoh.
-Godwin Sadoh (gsadoh007); August 2010 http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=7sidvWh2csw
-snip-
Here's some information about the impetus in the mid 19th century to translate the Yoruba language to English:
http://www.nigeriandictionary.com/language.php?lang_id=68
"Yoruba has over fifteen dialects and standard Yoruba is the written form of the language and the standard variety learnt in school. Standard Yoruba has its origin in the 1850's, when Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop, published a Yoruba grammar and started his translation of the Bible to Yoruba."
-snip-
I've added this information for the historical record. However, given Mr. Sadoh's comment that "Ise Oluwa" was composed in the early 20th century, the composer of that song couldn't have been Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
[UPDATE 9/14/2012]
Godwin Sadoh posted the following response to my query for more information about his statement quoted above:
"Thank you for your fine comments and for posting this video on your blog. This song has been arranged by several composers and arrangers that it is extremely difficult to pin down the original composer of the tune. Best information I can give you is one of the oldest settings of the song for SATB and piano/organ by Dr. Thomas Ekundayo Phillips [1884-1969], a.k.a. father of Nigerian church music. For more info on Phillips, read my book on him on iuniverse website."
-snip-
Here's a link to that book: https://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=SKU-000121997 Thomas Ekundayo Phillips The Doyen of Nigerian Church Music by Godwin Sadoh
[Added December 27, 2017]
Here's a quote from a summary of that book:
"The biography and music of Thomas King Ekundayo Phillips are synonymous with the history of Nigerian church music. His compositions chronicle the emergence of Nigerian church music from the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Phillips’s works demonstrate the experimental stages of musical synthesis that began in the church, and in particular, elucidate the various levels of musical development and growth in Nigeria. By writing diverse musical genres, Phillips presents an array of compositional choices that are available to indigenous sacred music composers—liturgical, hymnological, choral, and instrumental pieces...
Phillips’s compositions certainly fall within the category of intercultural musicology. His compositions represent the first attempts by native Nigerian composers in the experimental synthesis of diverse musical idioms in creating a truly hybrid composition"...
****
Example #3: Good Earth Singers--Yoruba Greeting--"Ise Oluwa" Chant's History
Uploaded by RobertCReady on Nov 12, 2010
the work of God (will not be destroyed)
-snip-
The man speaking/singing introduces himself in the beginning of the video, but his name isn't written in the video summary. I believe that he said "Olele Oluwa", but I'm not certain that is correct.
Notice that he pronounces the words "Ise Oluwa" as "e-shay oh-lu-wah".
****
Example #4: Ise Oluwa for the It Gets Better Project.m4v
AMASONG: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus took a few minutes out of rehearsal in December to record a musical message for the It Gets Better Project (itgetsbetterproject.com).
****
Example #5: LETTA MBULU MANY RAINS AGO [OLUWA]
SuperXavier30Uploaded on Oct 24, 2009
Deeply Emotive Song From Letta Mbulu,Who Perfomed This In Both English & In The Native Nigerian Language,Yoruba.
****
Example #6: 'ISE OLUWA' by One Nation
Uploaded by TPHmedia on Jul 29, 2010
****
Example #7: Lara George-Ko Le Baje
Soforte Distribution, Published on Nov 4, 2009
Official Video of 'Ko Le Baje'. An Inspirational song done by Lara George, assuring people of God's perfection and how indestructible His work is. Ise ti Oluwa se, Ko Le Baje. Simply means "What GOD has done cannot be Destroyed , is permanent, indestructible..........Directed by Gbenga Salu.
****
UPDATE 2/9/2013
Example #8: Sonnie Badu - ESE OLUWA - Colours of Africa (Recorded Live in London)
Deliciouswinfred, Uploaded on Feb 7, 2012
-snip-
Notice that this spelling is "Ese Oluwa". Those words are pronounced a-shay oh-lu- wah".
****
AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE SONG "ISE OLUWA"
From http://groups.google.com/group/yorubaaffairs/browse_thread/thread/79ffc64ba38572da?pli=1
Solo: Ise Oluwa
God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Ise Oluwa
God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Esu fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
Satan wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as Satan want it spoilt so people can rejoice)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Ise Jehofa, ise Emi Mimo
Jehovah's work, holy spirit's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Jehofa/Emi mimo se" What God has done)
Ise ti Baba wa ti se
The work that our father has done
Chorus: Ise Jisesi, Ise Emi Mimo
Jisesi's work, holy spirit's work
Ise ti Baba wa ti se
Work our father has done
Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)
Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Ase. Amin o
Amen. So be it or so shall it be.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
"Ise Oluwa" (e-shay o-loo-wah) may be the most widely known African religious song among non-African people throughout the world. Here are eight renditions of and comments about that Yoruba (Nigeria, West Africa) religious song.
An English translation of lyrics to that song is included towards the end of this post.
FEATURED EXAMPLES
[Latest Update- December 30, 2018]
These examples are not given in any particular order.
Example #1: Solomon Ilori & his Afro-Drum Ensemble - Ise Oluwa (God's work is indestructible)
AbeokutA MusiC, Published on Apr 30, 2017
From "Solomon Ilori And His Afro-Drum Ensemble - African High Life"
Blue Note - BST 84136 (LP) - US , 1963
Written by Solomon Ilori -- Recorded by Rudy Van Gelder on April 25, 1963 at the Van Gelder Studio, Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Vocals, Talking Drum, Guitar, Penny Whistle – Solomon Ilori
Sakara Drum, Cowbell – Josiah Ilori
Congas – Chief Bey , Montego Joe
Congas, Shekere, Cowbell – Robert Crowder
Congas, Xylophone, Cowbell – Garvin Masseaux
Alto Sax, Flute – Hosea Taylor
Bass – Ahmed Abdul-Malik
Directed by Coleridge Perkinson
[...]
Song: Ise Oluwa (2006 Remastered Version)
Artist: Solomon Ilori
Album: Blue Note Trip Tease Part 2
****
Example #2: Ise Oluwa [The Work of the Lord] by Godwin Sadoh
Uploaded by Godwin Sadoh (gsadoh007) on Dec 31, 2008
Ise Oluwa is a Nigerian Christian Song. There are various settings of this Yoruba song. I have another version for SATB with piano accompaniment published by Wayne Leupold Editions, 2006. Godwin Sadoh--Piano accompanist.
-snip-
Here's a comment from this video's viewer comment thread. The comment was written in response to another person writing that "Ise Oluwa" was a Yoruba folk song:
"Ise Oluwa" is not a folk song. It is actually a Yoruba Christian song composed by one of the pioneers of Yoruba church music, that is, choirmaster and organist, in the early 20th century. There are several arrangements of the tune for vocal and instrumental ensembles by Nigerian professionally trained composers such as Samuel Akpabot, Laz Ekwueme, Joshua Uzoigwe, and Godwin Sadoh.
-Godwin Sadoh (gsadoh007); August 2010 http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=7sidvWh2csw
-snip-
Here's some information about the impetus in the mid 19th century to translate the Yoruba language to English:
http://www.nigeriandictionary.com/language.php?lang_id=68
"Yoruba has over fifteen dialects and standard Yoruba is the written form of the language and the standard variety learnt in school. Standard Yoruba has its origin in the 1850's, when Samuel Ajayi Crowther, the first African Bishop, published a Yoruba grammar and started his translation of the Bible to Yoruba."
-snip-
I've added this information for the historical record. However, given Mr. Sadoh's comment that "Ise Oluwa" was composed in the early 20th century, the composer of that song couldn't have been Samuel Ajayi Crowther.
[UPDATE 9/14/2012]
Godwin Sadoh posted the following response to my query for more information about his statement quoted above:
"Thank you for your fine comments and for posting this video on your blog. This song has been arranged by several composers and arrangers that it is extremely difficult to pin down the original composer of the tune. Best information I can give you is one of the oldest settings of the song for SATB and piano/organ by Dr. Thomas Ekundayo Phillips [1884-1969], a.k.a. father of Nigerian church music. For more info on Phillips, read my book on him on iuniverse website."
-snip-
Here's a link to that book: https://www.iuniverse.com/bookstore/bookdetail.aspx?bookid=SKU-000121997 Thomas Ekundayo Phillips The Doyen of Nigerian Church Music by Godwin Sadoh
[Added December 27, 2017]
Here's a quote from a summary of that book:
"The biography and music of Thomas King Ekundayo Phillips are synonymous with the history of Nigerian church music. His compositions chronicle the emergence of Nigerian church music from the nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century. Phillips’s works demonstrate the experimental stages of musical synthesis that began in the church, and in particular, elucidate the various levels of musical development and growth in Nigeria. By writing diverse musical genres, Phillips presents an array of compositional choices that are available to indigenous sacred music composers—liturgical, hymnological, choral, and instrumental pieces...
Phillips’s compositions certainly fall within the category of intercultural musicology. His compositions represent the first attempts by native Nigerian composers in the experimental synthesis of diverse musical idioms in creating a truly hybrid composition"...
****
Example #3: Good Earth Singers--Yoruba Greeting--"Ise Oluwa" Chant's History
Uploaded by RobertCReady on Nov 12, 2010
the work of God (will not be destroyed)
-snip-
The man speaking/singing introduces himself in the beginning of the video, but his name isn't written in the video summary. I believe that he said "Olele Oluwa", but I'm not certain that is correct.
Notice that he pronounces the words "Ise Oluwa" as "e-shay oh-lu-wah".
****
Example #4: Ise Oluwa for the It Gets Better Project.m4v
AMASONG: Champaign-Urbana's Premier Lesbian/Feminist Chorus took a few minutes out of rehearsal in December to record a musical message for the It Gets Better Project (itgetsbetterproject.com).
****
Example #5: LETTA MBULU MANY RAINS AGO [OLUWA]
SuperXavier30Uploaded on Oct 24, 2009
Deeply Emotive Song From Letta Mbulu,Who Perfomed This In Both English & In The Native Nigerian Language,Yoruba.
****
Example #6: 'ISE OLUWA' by One Nation
Uploaded by TPHmedia on Jul 29, 2010
****
Example #7: Lara George-Ko Le Baje
Soforte Distribution, Published on Nov 4, 2009
Official Video of 'Ko Le Baje'. An Inspirational song done by Lara George, assuring people of God's perfection and how indestructible His work is. Ise ti Oluwa se, Ko Le Baje. Simply means "What GOD has done cannot be Destroyed , is permanent, indestructible..........Directed by Gbenga Salu.
****
UPDATE 2/9/2013
Example #8: Sonnie Badu - ESE OLUWA - Colours of Africa (Recorded Live in London)
Deliciouswinfred, Uploaded on Feb 7, 2012
-snip-
Notice that this spelling is "Ese Oluwa". Those words are pronounced a-shay oh-lu- wah".
****
AN ENGLISH TRANSLATION OF THE SONG "ISE OLUWA"
From http://groups.google.com/group/yorubaaffairs/browse_thread/thread/79ffc64ba38572da?pli=1
Solo: Ise Oluwa
God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Ise Oluwa
God's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Oluwa se" What God has done)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Esu fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
Satan wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as Satan want it spoilt so people can rejoice)
Chorus: Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Solo: Ise Jehofa, ise Emi Mimo
Jehovah's work, holy spirit's work (Sometimes rendered as "Ohun Jehofa/Emi mimo se" What God has done)
Ise ti Baba wa ti se
The work that our father has done
Chorus: Ise Jisesi, Ise Emi Mimo
Jisesi's work, holy spirit's work
Ise ti Baba wa ti se
Work our father has done
Aye fe ko baje o, k'awon ba yo
The world wants it spoilt so they may be happy (May also be rendered as People want it spoilt so they can rejoice)
Ko le baje o
Cannot be spoilt (Could also render as It is permanent as in not changeable)
Ase. Amin o
Amen. So be it or so shall it be.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Baba Ese (You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life), Part 3
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 3 in a three part series on the Nigerian song "Baba Ese" (and similar titles). "Baba Ese" is Yoruba for "Thank you, Father". In the context of religious songs, the word "father" means "Father God".
Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my.html for Part 1 of that series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_07.html for Part 2 of that series.
Numbers are assigned to these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
Part 3 of this series features selected videos of the sub-set of songs from the "Baba Ese" family that include the line "You Are The Pillar The Holds My Life". A clip of that line "You Are The Pillar" often serves as the title for those songs.
I consider those songs is a sub-set of "Baba Ese" because they may include the phrase "Baba o ese" & other lyrics from the "Baba Ese" songs. Furthermore, "You Are The Pillar" uses the same tune as "Baba Ese".
As an aside, it's interesting to note that (apart from a dancehall rhythm arrangement of this song found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_d-pGtggdE x), video versions of "Baba Ese" that I have viewed & listened to consistently have a rather slow tempo. This consistency in tempo is in sharp contrast to the various different tempos and rhythms that are used for another popular Nigerian Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of a four part pancocojams series on that song.
****
PART 3
Video Example #9: You Are The Pillar
Uploaded by sbadu2 on Nov 8, 2008
African Worship 2008 with Sonnie Badu
****
Video Example #10: You are the Pillar
Uploaded by RonkeAdesokan on Dec 1, 2009
-snip-
Here's a verse of that song that was posted on this video's viewer comment thread by the vocalist, Ronke Adesokan:
When I think of what i've been through
through the fire and the storm
so many times I felt like
I would never make it through
but by Your grace, mercy and Power
God you saw me through
Now, look what the Lord has done
You are my Pillar
-RonkeAdesokan; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=U010NQftLyk; 2010
****
Video Example #11: You are the Pillar - Sabina Worships @ Redeemed Christian Church
Uploaded by mabentex on Nov 28, 2009
Sabina Ministers a powerful Worship medley! You are the pillar, Adonai, Ese O Baba (Thank You Father) at Redeemed Christian Church of God
-snip-
According to the comments on this video's viewer comment thread, the vocalist, Sabina Prempeh, is from Ghana, and the church service was in the United States
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This is Part 3 in a three part series on the Nigerian song "Baba Ese" (and similar titles). "Baba Ese" is Yoruba for "Thank you, Father". In the context of religious songs, the word "father" means "Father God".
Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my.html for Part 1 of that series.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_07.html for Part 2 of that series.
Numbers are assigned to these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
Part 3 of this series features selected videos of the sub-set of songs from the "Baba Ese" family that include the line "You Are The Pillar The Holds My Life". A clip of that line "You Are The Pillar" often serves as the title for those songs.
I consider those songs is a sub-set of "Baba Ese" because they may include the phrase "Baba o ese" & other lyrics from the "Baba Ese" songs. Furthermore, "You Are The Pillar" uses the same tune as "Baba Ese".
As an aside, it's interesting to note that (apart from a dancehall rhythm arrangement of this song found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l_d-pGtggdE x), video versions of "Baba Ese" that I have viewed & listened to consistently have a rather slow tempo. This consistency in tempo is in sharp contrast to the various different tempos and rhythms that are used for another popular Nigerian Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of a four part pancocojams series on that song.
****
PART 3
Video Example #9: You Are The Pillar
Uploaded by sbadu2 on Nov 8, 2008
African Worship 2008 with Sonnie Badu
****
Video Example #10: You are the Pillar
Uploaded by RonkeAdesokan on Dec 1, 2009
-snip-
Here's a verse of that song that was posted on this video's viewer comment thread by the vocalist, Ronke Adesokan:
When I think of what i've been through
through the fire and the storm
so many times I felt like
I would never make it through
but by Your grace, mercy and Power
God you saw me through
Now, look what the Lord has done
You are my Pillar
-RonkeAdesokan; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=U010NQftLyk; 2010
****
Video Example #11: You are the Pillar - Sabina Worships @ Redeemed Christian Church
Uploaded by mabentex on Nov 28, 2009
Sabina Ministers a powerful Worship medley! You are the pillar, Adonai, Ese O Baba (Thank You Father) at Redeemed Christian Church of God
-snip-
According to the comments on this video's viewer comment thread, the vocalist, Sabina Prempeh, is from Ghana, and the church service was in the United States
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Baba Ese (You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life), Part 2
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 2 in a three part series on the Nigerian song "Baba Ese" and similar titles. "Baba Ese" is Yoruba for "Thank you, Father". In the context of religious songs, the word "father" means "Father God".
Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my.html for Part 1 of that series.
Part 3 of this series focuses on several additional versions of this song have include the line "You Are The Pillar That Hold My Life". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_4951.html for Part 3 of that series.
Numbers are assigned to these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
PART 2
In the first post to this series I wrote that the song "Baba Ese" is an old song from Yoruba (Nigeria) culture. I also indicated that I was unsure if that song was used for pre-Christian worship, however it is definitely embraced by Christians now. Here's another video of "Baba Ese" being sung by Christians:
Video Example #5: Ese o Baba- Lionel Petersen @ 2008 Festival of Life
Ade Roi, Uploaded on Oct 26, 2008
Lionel Petersen @ R.C.C.G 2008 Festival of life
the unchangeable lord
Editor: As a reflection of how the Yoruba song "Baba Ese" has become widely known outside of Nigeria, West Africa, the featured vocalist in this video, Lionel Peterson, is from South Africa and this concert was held in the United States.
The entire lyrics to this song may have been shown on a large screen during the concert. Here's only a small portion of those lyrics that were captured by the video:
Baba, Ese O Baba
(Father, thank you Father)
Ese O Baba
(Thank you Father)
Awa dupe Baba
(We’ve come to thank you Father)
-snip-
Here's a post that was written on that video's viewer comment thread wrote:
"yoruba has gone global. God is good. Ese Baba adupe Oluwa
-femigirl; October 2011; http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=6R1n5GP_ghI
-snip-
Here is another version of this song that is sung for Christian worship & praise:
Video Example #6: Baba Ese featuring Sister Funmi Aremu
Uploaded by sergephilo on Feb 5, 2010
This song is a testimony of how God's mercy can heal and restore the brokenhearted. It's sung in Yoruba and features Sister Funmi Aremu.
-snip-
Baba Ese
(version featuring Sister Funmi Aremu)
The words of this version are transposed on the video screen. Here are those words:
Thank you
Father thank you
Thank you
I can only praise you.
When I look at how the world is going
I once was crying and crying broken hearted
That I was sick no father, no mother
There was no confidence for me.
I lacked money, friends deserted me.
But the Rewriter of Destiny came and healed me.
comforted me.
Blessed me with money
honored me with friends.
Father, I can only praise you!
Thank you Father thank you!
Thank you, I can only praise you!
Thank you for my life.
Thank you for my work.
Thank you for my family.
(Thank you Father)
Thank you, I can only praise you!
Thank you.
Father, thank you.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you.
Father, thank you.
Thank you.
If I only had ten thousand tongues.
for the praise of my Saviour
The glory of my God and King
The triumph of His Grace.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for my home.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for all my relatives.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for your mercy.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you, Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my work!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my work!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
****
Video Example #7: I just want to say (Baba o Ese)
Uploaded by l0ser25 on May 17, 2011
sooo tired as u can see but we fought the fatigue and praised and worshiped God lol
-snip-
I'm not sure where this video was taped.
Here is a question & response from that video's viewer comment thread http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3pPs-ledvA&feature=related :
"The hook you sing ending in hallelujah before "imela imela..." what does that mean?
-MzRoxiie90 ; October 201l
**
@MzRoxiie90 It means "We bow before you Lord"
-l0ser25 ; November 2011
****
Video Example #8: African Kids 4 Christ: Ose Baba (Yoruba)
Uploaded by jasonlohrmd on Apr 30, 2010
From the DVD "All About Jesus"
Editor:
Unfortunately, the English translation of the Yoruba words that were transposed on the video screen were cut off. From reading the titles of other "Baba Ese" videos, I gather that "Ose Baba" is written in Yoruba as "O Se Baba". Although the arrangement and tune of this song differs from other versions of "Baba Ese" songs that I have found online, I still believe that it is a member of the "Baba Ese" family of songs.
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
This is Part 2 in a three part series on the Nigerian song "Baba Ese" and similar titles. "Baba Ese" is Yoruba for "Thank you, Father". In the context of religious songs, the word "father" means "Father God".
Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my.html for Part 1 of that series.
Part 3 of this series focuses on several additional versions of this song have include the line "You Are The Pillar That Hold My Life". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_4951.html for Part 3 of that series.
Numbers are assigned to these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
PART 2
In the first post to this series I wrote that the song "Baba Ese" is an old song from Yoruba (Nigeria) culture. I also indicated that I was unsure if that song was used for pre-Christian worship, however it is definitely embraced by Christians now. Here's another video of "Baba Ese" being sung by Christians:
Video Example #5: Ese o Baba- Lionel Petersen @ 2008 Festival of Life
Ade Roi, Uploaded on Oct 26, 2008
Lionel Petersen @ R.C.C.G 2008 Festival of life
the unchangeable lord
Editor: As a reflection of how the Yoruba song "Baba Ese" has become widely known outside of Nigeria, West Africa, the featured vocalist in this video, Lionel Peterson, is from South Africa and this concert was held in the United States.
The entire lyrics to this song may have been shown on a large screen during the concert. Here's only a small portion of those lyrics that were captured by the video:
Baba, Ese O Baba
(Father, thank you Father)
Ese O Baba
(Thank you Father)
Awa dupe Baba
(We’ve come to thank you Father)
-snip-
Here's a post that was written on that video's viewer comment thread wrote:
"yoruba has gone global. God is good. Ese Baba adupe Oluwa
-femigirl; October 2011; http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=6R1n5GP_ghI
-snip-
Here is another version of this song that is sung for Christian worship & praise:
Video Example #6: Baba Ese featuring Sister Funmi Aremu
Uploaded by sergephilo on Feb 5, 2010
This song is a testimony of how God's mercy can heal and restore the brokenhearted. It's sung in Yoruba and features Sister Funmi Aremu.
-snip-
Baba Ese
(version featuring Sister Funmi Aremu)
The words of this version are transposed on the video screen. Here are those words:
Thank you
Father thank you
Thank you
I can only praise you.
When I look at how the world is going
I once was crying and crying broken hearted
That I was sick no father, no mother
There was no confidence for me.
I lacked money, friends deserted me.
But the Rewriter of Destiny came and healed me.
comforted me.
Blessed me with money
honored me with friends.
Father, I can only praise you!
Thank you Father thank you!
Thank you, I can only praise you!
Thank you for my life.
Thank you for my work.
Thank you for my family.
(Thank you Father)
Thank you, I can only praise you!
Thank you.
Father, thank you.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you.
Father, thank you.
Thank you.
If I only had ten thousand tongues.
for the praise of my Saviour
The glory of my God and King
The triumph of His Grace.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for my home.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for all my relatives.
Thank you!
I can only praise you!
Thank you for your mercy.
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you, Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my work!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my work!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father. Thank you! Thank you Father!
(I can only praise you)
Thank you Father for my life!
(I can only praise you)
****
Video Example #7: I just want to say (Baba o Ese)
Uploaded by l0ser25 on May 17, 2011
sooo tired as u can see but we fought the fatigue and praised and worshiped God lol
-snip-
I'm not sure where this video was taped.
Here is a question & response from that video's viewer comment thread http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3pPs-ledvA&feature=related :
"The hook you sing ending in hallelujah before "imela imela..." what does that mean?
-MzRoxiie90 ; October 201l
**
@MzRoxiie90 It means "We bow before you Lord"
-l0ser25 ; November 2011
****
Video Example #8: African Kids 4 Christ: Ose Baba (Yoruba)
Uploaded by jasonlohrmd on Apr 30, 2010
From the DVD "All About Jesus"
Editor:
Unfortunately, the English translation of the Yoruba words that were transposed on the video screen were cut off. From reading the titles of other "Baba Ese" videos, I gather that "Ose Baba" is written in Yoruba as "O Se Baba". Although the arrangement and tune of this song differs from other versions of "Baba Ese" songs that I have found online, I still believe that it is a member of the "Baba Ese" family of songs.
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Viewer comments are welcome.
Baba Ese (You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life), Part 1
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 1 in a series of 3 posts on the African Gospel song "Baba Ese". Both Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_07.html for Part 2 of that series.
Part 3 of this series focuses on selected versions of this song have include the line "You Are The Pillar That Hold My Life".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_4951.html for Part 3 of that series.
Numbers are assigned for these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
Few lyric versions of "Baba Ese" are available online. Because I don't know Yoruba (the language from which this song comes) I'm unable to transcribe examples sung in that language. However, in the cases that those transcriptions, or portions of those transcriptions, are available for these featured example, I have reposted those transcriptions with that particular video.
By no means am I an expert on "Baba Ese" or on any other African Gospel song. I'm an African American community folklorist who is interested in West African cultures, and finds African Gospel songs both spiritually uplifting and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, I'm concerned that there's so little information about African Gospel songs online. It's my hope that these blog posts on African Gospel songs will motivate those who are knowledgeable about those songs to document their history, lyrics, and meanings online.
****
PART I
"Baba Ese" (pronounced bah bah eh-shay) is a Yoruba song which is particularly popular among Christians in Nigeria. The title "Baba Ese" means "Thank you Father", with "father" here meaning God. A number of Christian Gospel songs with titles similar to "Baba Ese" can found on YouTube. Among those titles are "Baba Baba Ese Baba", "Baba Ese O", "Baba Ese O Baba" and "Ese O Baba". "You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life" is a line in certain "Baba Ese" (and similar named) songs. That entire line or the line "You Are The Pillar" is used as a title for those "Baba Ese" songs.
It appears that the first recording of songs from the "Baba Ese" family may have been Gospel artist Gbenga Wise's August 1999 recording of "Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese". After an instrumental interlude which follows the "Jehovah" song, Gbenda Wise begins singing his version of the song "Baba Baba Ese".
Video #1: Gbenga Wise -Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese Baba
Uploaded by gbengawise on Sep 9, 2010
"Gbenga Wise" Gospel "African Praise"
-snip-
On 1/6/2012 I contacted Gbenda Wise and asked him several questions about the songs "Jehovah (You Are The Most High God" and "Baba Baba Ese Baba". I also asked Gbenda Wise if there was any connection between "Baba Baba Ese Baba" and the Yoruba song "I Se Oluwa" ("The Work of the Lord"). I admit to being pleasantly suprised that that renown Gospel artist promptly and graciously responded to my queries and gave me permission to share his responses. With regard to the age of the songs "Jehovah You Are The Most High God" and "Baba Ese", Gbenda Wise said that both songs were old, and he didn't know which was the oldest. With regard to my question was there any connection between the song "Ise Oluwa" and the song "Baba Ese" (besides the fact that they are both old Yoruba religious songs), Gbenga Wise wrote that there were no connections between those two songs.
For more on the online responses I received from Gbenda Wise, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html African Gospel Song "You Are The Most High God", Part 1.
For a contemporary, uptempo version of "Ise Oluwa" click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/various-interpretations-of-ise-oluwa.html for the Example #7 video of Lara George - "Ko Le Baje (God's Work Will Never Be Destroyed".
-snip-
Gbenda Wise's rendition of "Baba Baba Ese Baba", and a number of other versions of that song that I have heard online, have a tune that is quite similar to "Jehovah You Are The Most High God". In contrast, some songs in the "Baba Ese" family differ in the tunes and/or tempo that they use. For example, Shola Allyson's rendition of "Baba Ese" has a slow tempo, and uses a different tune than Gbenda Wise's "Baba Baba Ese Baba". In contrast to the English lyrics used for the "Pillar That Holds My Life" subset of "Baba Ese" songs, only Yoruba words are used in Shola Allyson's version of "Baba Ese".
****
Video #2: Shola Allyson - Baba ese
Uploaded by WASHNEW on Jun 28, 2011
****
Video #3: Oluwa ti se'un nla (Ese Baba) Thank You Father
CCC VoiceofGrace, Uploaded on Jul 8, 2008
Oluwa, Jesus, Thank God, praise, worship, CCC, Voice of Grace, Celestial Church of Christ
-snip-
No information is given as to the location of this choir. I'm assuming this church service was in Nigeria, in part, because the choir sings in Yoruba, and also because the video is on a page of other Yoruba Christian videos.
At certain parts of this rendition, a member of the choir "testifies" (speaks about God, exhorts others to believe and/or praise God).
****
Video #4: Ese Baba - Thank You Father
Uploaded by cccvog on Mar 7, 2010
CCC Celestial Church Of Christ VOG Voice Grace Praise Worship
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome!
This is Part 1 in a series of 3 posts on the African Gospel song "Baba Ese". Both Part 1 and Part 2 of this series focus on selected Yoruba versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_07.html for Part 2 of that series.
Part 3 of this series focuses on selected versions of this song have include the line "You Are The Pillar That Hold My Life".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/baba-ese-you-are-pillar-that-holds-my_4951.html for Part 3 of that series.
Numbers are assigned for these featured videos throughout the three blog posts in this series.
****
Few lyric versions of "Baba Ese" are available online. Because I don't know Yoruba (the language from which this song comes) I'm unable to transcribe examples sung in that language. However, in the cases that those transcriptions, or portions of those transcriptions, are available for these featured example, I have reposted those transcriptions with that particular video.
By no means am I an expert on "Baba Ese" or on any other African Gospel song. I'm an African American community folklorist who is interested in West African cultures, and finds African Gospel songs both spiritually uplifting and aesthetically pleasing. Furthermore, I'm concerned that there's so little information about African Gospel songs online. It's my hope that these blog posts on African Gospel songs will motivate those who are knowledgeable about those songs to document their history, lyrics, and meanings online.
****
PART I
"Baba Ese" (pronounced bah bah eh-shay) is a Yoruba song which is particularly popular among Christians in Nigeria. The title "Baba Ese" means "Thank you Father", with "father" here meaning God. A number of Christian Gospel songs with titles similar to "Baba Ese" can found on YouTube. Among those titles are "Baba Baba Ese Baba", "Baba Ese O", "Baba Ese O Baba" and "Ese O Baba". "You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life" is a line in certain "Baba Ese" (and similar named) songs. That entire line or the line "You Are The Pillar" is used as a title for those "Baba Ese" songs.
It appears that the first recording of songs from the "Baba Ese" family may have been Gospel artist Gbenga Wise's August 1999 recording of "Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese". After an instrumental interlude which follows the "Jehovah" song, Gbenda Wise begins singing his version of the song "Baba Baba Ese".
Video #1: Gbenga Wise -Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese Baba
Uploaded by gbengawise on Sep 9, 2010
"Gbenga Wise" Gospel "African Praise"
-snip-
On 1/6/2012 I contacted Gbenda Wise and asked him several questions about the songs "Jehovah (You Are The Most High God" and "Baba Baba Ese Baba". I also asked Gbenda Wise if there was any connection between "Baba Baba Ese Baba" and the Yoruba song "I Se Oluwa" ("The Work of the Lord"). I admit to being pleasantly suprised that that renown Gospel artist promptly and graciously responded to my queries and gave me permission to share his responses. With regard to the age of the songs "Jehovah You Are The Most High God" and "Baba Ese", Gbenda Wise said that both songs were old, and he didn't know which was the oldest. With regard to my question was there any connection between the song "Ise Oluwa" and the song "Baba Ese" (besides the fact that they are both old Yoruba religious songs), Gbenga Wise wrote that there were no connections between those two songs.
For more on the online responses I received from Gbenda Wise, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html African Gospel Song "You Are The Most High God", Part 1.
For a contemporary, uptempo version of "Ise Oluwa" click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/various-interpretations-of-ise-oluwa.html for the Example #7 video of Lara George - "Ko Le Baje (God's Work Will Never Be Destroyed".
-snip-
Gbenda Wise's rendition of "Baba Baba Ese Baba", and a number of other versions of that song that I have heard online, have a tune that is quite similar to "Jehovah You Are The Most High God". In contrast, some songs in the "Baba Ese" family differ in the tunes and/or tempo that they use. For example, Shola Allyson's rendition of "Baba Ese" has a slow tempo, and uses a different tune than Gbenda Wise's "Baba Baba Ese Baba". In contrast to the English lyrics used for the "Pillar That Holds My Life" subset of "Baba Ese" songs, only Yoruba words are used in Shola Allyson's version of "Baba Ese".
****
Video #2: Shola Allyson - Baba ese
Uploaded by WASHNEW on Jun 28, 2011
****
Video #3: Oluwa ti se'un nla (Ese Baba) Thank You Father
CCC VoiceofGrace, Uploaded on Jul 8, 2008
Oluwa, Jesus, Thank God, praise, worship, CCC, Voice of Grace, Celestial Church of Christ
-snip-
No information is given as to the location of this choir. I'm assuming this church service was in Nigeria, in part, because the choir sings in Yoruba, and also because the video is on a page of other Yoruba Christian videos.
At certain parts of this rendition, a member of the choir "testifies" (speaks about God, exhorts others to believe and/or praise God).
****
Video #4: Ese Baba - Thank You Father
Uploaded by cccvog on Mar 7, 2010
CCC Celestial Church Of Christ VOG Voice Grace Praise Worship
****
Thank you for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome!
Thursday, January 5, 2012
African Gospel Song "You Are The Most High God", Part 4
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 4 in a 4 part series that focuses on the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". This post features four additional video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" from throughout the world.
Part 1 of this series provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html.
Part 2 of this series focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
The numbers that are assigned to these songs continue from the first post in this series on.
****
PART 4
Video #9: Jehovah You are the most High - Elder Daniel Akakpo - COP Mass Choir [United Kingdom]
Uploaded by danakakpo on Nov 20, 2010
The Church of Pentecost UK. National Crusade 2009 held at Tottenham. Indeed Jehovah is the Most High. Be blessed as you listen.....[United Kingdom]
****
Video #10: Most High God [Zimbabwe]
uploaded by zimbabwemutinhimira on Apr 5, 2010
Jehovah you are the most high God. There is no one like you and the devil trembles in your presence.
****
Video #11: Jehovah You Are The Most High PFF Church [Berlin, Germany]
Uploaded by Vivieanicia on Aug 15, 2011
****
Video Example #12: Jehovah you are the most high [Geographical Location not given]
Uploaded by Juliet Iyeyemi·on Aug 27, 2010
The power of worship is awesome. Lord you are my words and my melody I give you thanks if you are a worshiper listen and make your comment but most importantly worship with me more on www.Julietthesinger.com. or here on youtube. God bless you real good. Sponsorship needed and support for new video. Have a bless day. Just one favour pls share this with your email or facebook contact thanks
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part 4 in a 4 part series that focuses on the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". This post features four additional video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" from throughout the world.
Part 1 of this series provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html.
Part 2 of this series focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
The numbers that are assigned to these songs continue from the first post in this series on.
****
PART 4
Video #9: Jehovah You are the most High - Elder Daniel Akakpo - COP Mass Choir [United Kingdom]
Uploaded by danakakpo on Nov 20, 2010
The Church of Pentecost UK. National Crusade 2009 held at Tottenham. Indeed Jehovah is the Most High. Be blessed as you listen.....[United Kingdom]
****
Video #10: Most High God [Zimbabwe]
uploaded by zimbabwemutinhimira on Apr 5, 2010
Jehovah you are the most high God. There is no one like you and the devil trembles in your presence.
****
Video #11: Jehovah You Are The Most High PFF Church [Berlin, Germany]
Uploaded by Vivieanicia on Aug 15, 2011
****
Video Example #12: Jehovah you are the most high [Geographical Location not given]
Uploaded by Juliet Iyeyemi·on Aug 27, 2010
The power of worship is awesome. Lord you are my words and my melody I give you thanks if you are a worshiper listen and make your comment but most importantly worship with me more on www.Julietthesinger.com. or here on youtube. God bless you real good. Sponsorship needed and support for new video. Have a bless day. Just one favour pls share this with your email or facebook contact thanks
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
Lyric Examples Of "Jehovah You Are The Most High God"
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 3 of a 4 part series on the song Jehovah You Are The Most High God.
Part 1 provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of this series.
Part 2 focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 provides information about the musical structure that is most often used for this song. This post also provides two text (lyric) examples of this song and a link to a third text example.
Part 4 features 4 additional video examples of that African Gospel song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
****
PART 4
OVERVIEW
The core concept of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is to praise God by using His praise names.
"You Are The Most High (God)" is a popular contemporary African Gospel song which has a distinctive tune and certain shared lyrics, particularly the phrase "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". The lyrics for "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" are based on Biblical verses that refer to Jehovah as the most high God. Among those verses are Psalm 83 v 18 King James Bible:
and Psalm 47:1-2
-snip-
Nigerian Ggbena Wise is reported to be the first person to record a version of this song (late 1990s, or 1998). However, one commentater to a YouTube video thread indicates that the song was well known in Nigeria prior to that. (See comment in Part 1 of this series). Based on African and African Diaspora music traditions, it's likely that early versions of this song were more open ended than versions are now. By "open ended", I mean that there was probably no fixed length of that song, and people could improvise and add or substitute lyrics or spoken words (floating verses, familiar religious phrases) while singing the song. I believe that that is still the case today. However, the prominence given to certain recorded versions of songs-as is the case with this one- tends to make people think that there is a fixed length and "right" or "wrong" lyrics for those particular songs.
Most versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" on YouTube use a form of call & response soloist/group pattern. Call & response is a musical structure which is so pervasive in African and African Diaspora cultures.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response gives this brief definition of that musical pattern:
This post provides the text (lyrics) for two versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Videos for both of the text examples given have been embedded in previous pancocojams posts. The example of the video in that post is provided in parenthesis.
VERSION #1
Video Example #8: Official lyrics (Jehovah you are the most high God new version)
Kofi Thompson's hit version.....join the millions who are singing this song across the world. this is the complete lyrics. order your copy of this REVIVAL CD from www.crownofglorymusic.com
Uploaded by ultimateworshipper on Sep 16, 2011
LYRICS #1
(Kofi Thompson; video example #3 in Part 1 of this pancocojams series).
JEHOVAH, YOU ARE THE MOST HIGH GOD (African Gospel)
Spoken-You know gods of the world are idols
Jehovah is the most high God
Group- All the other gods
They are the works of men.
But you are the Most High GOD
There is none like You. 2x
Soloist = Jehovah
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist = Jehovah
Group-You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Jehovah Adonai
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah Elohim
Group-You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-Jehovah Nissi eeii
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-You are the Most High
Group-You are the Most High God
Soloist- Oo my Jesus
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-Jehovah Nissi eeii
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-You are the Most High
Group-You are the Most High God
Soloist- Oo my Jesus
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
[instrumental interlude]
Soloist- Most High GOD
African-Caribbean medley
This is what the church sings
Congregation:
You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos HALLELUYAH
You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos: HALLELUYAH
(REPEAT a number of times)
Soloist –Oo Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist – You are the lifter of my head
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- You are the lover of my soul
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Oo my Jesus
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist –Christ Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Oo my Jesus
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- Oo I lift your Name
Group- You are the Most High GOD
[Soloist-Lift Him up!
Now we do one more time]
Group-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
Soloist -(Aye de, Aye de)
Group-You are good and your mercy is forever
Soloist –(me’gye onyame)
Group/soloist-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
Group/soloist-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
soloist- Oo Jesus Christ
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist-Oo My Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist – Jehovah is Your name
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist-Oh You are Elohim.
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-You are Jehovah jireh
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-Ooh You are Jehovah Nissi
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist- You are the maker of the life that I live
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-Oo Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist: zobo zaba zebe zaba zobo zaba zobo zaba
Gor gor gor gor goorrr gor gor goorrr
(repeat)
AYE DE…
[soloist speaking]- now who said “drums cannot praise the Lord?”
Sings interjections and repeat” zobo lyrics” while band plays]
Soloist speaking: You know God asked the prophet jeremiah
“Look around You, what do you see?
If God asked me today “look around you Kofi, what do you see?
I will tell GOD
Soloist sings- I see a new season
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist sings- New season
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist-Fresh anointing
all around
Group - all around me
Soloist –Fresh revival
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around me
Soloist-Uncommon breakthroughs
Group - all around
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around
Group - all around me
Soloist-Uncommon favors
Group - all around
Soloist-Uncommon miracles
Group - all around me
Soloist- Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around
Soloist- Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around me
Soloist-aarroouundd mmmeeeeeeeee
Group - all around me, all around me
Soloist-A aaarrrooouuunnnndd dd mmmmeeeeeeeeee
[soloist interjections]
-snip-
VERSION #2
(praise2life; video example #7 in Part 2 of this pancocojams series; transcription Azizi Powell).
JEHOVA
I give you praise
I give you praise
Lord I bow my knees to worship you
And give you praise
I give you praise
Jehovah
You are the Most High
Jehovah
You are the Most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
Jehovah, You are the Most High GOD
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Rock of Ages,
You are the Most High
Balm in Gilead,
You are the Most High God
Jehovah,
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God.
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Rock of Ages
You are the most High
You are the most High God
You are
(You are)
You are
(You are)
You are
You are the most High God
I give you praises
Lord I bow my knees
You are the most High God
Je-ho-vah
You are the most
High God
-snip-
Note: This version appears to be that of a solo singer. However, another person can sometimes be heard faintly singing a response line, as indicated in parenthesis toward the end of that rendition.
Click http://www.museke.com/node/1767 for lyrics to Pastor Lenny Akpadie's version of this song.
****
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This is Part 3 of a 4 part series on the song Jehovah You Are The Most High God.
Part 1 provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of this series.
Part 2 focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 provides information about the musical structure that is most often used for this song. This post also provides two text (lyric) examples of this song and a link to a third text example.
Part 4 features 4 additional video examples of that African Gospel song. Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
****
PART 4
OVERVIEW
The core concept of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is to praise God by using His praise names.
"You Are The Most High (God)" is a popular contemporary African Gospel song which has a distinctive tune and certain shared lyrics, particularly the phrase "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". The lyrics for "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" are based on Biblical verses that refer to Jehovah as the most high God. Among those verses are Psalm 83 v 18 King James Bible:
That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.
and Psalm 47:1-2
Jehovah, You are the Most High
Oh, clap your hands, all you peoples! Shout to God with the voice of triumph!
For the Lord Most High is Awesome; He is a great King over all the earth.
-snip-
Nigerian Ggbena Wise is reported to be the first person to record a version of this song (late 1990s, or 1998). However, one commentater to a YouTube video thread indicates that the song was well known in Nigeria prior to that. (See comment in Part 1 of this series). Based on African and African Diaspora music traditions, it's likely that early versions of this song were more open ended than versions are now. By "open ended", I mean that there was probably no fixed length of that song, and people could improvise and add or substitute lyrics or spoken words (floating verses, familiar religious phrases) while singing the song. I believe that that is still the case today. However, the prominence given to certain recorded versions of songs-as is the case with this one- tends to make people think that there is a fixed length and "right" or "wrong" lyrics for those particular songs.
Most versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" on YouTube use a form of call & response soloist/group pattern. Call & response is a musical structure which is so pervasive in African and African Diaspora cultures.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/call-and-response gives this brief definition of that musical pattern:
call-and-response:
a statement quickly followed by an answering statement; also: a musical phrase in which the first and often solo part is answered by a second and often ensemble part
This post provides the text (lyrics) for two versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Videos for both of the text examples given have been embedded in previous pancocojams posts. The example of the video in that post is provided in parenthesis.
VERSION #1
Video Example #8: Official lyrics (Jehovah you are the most high God new version)
Kofi Thompson's hit version.....join the millions who are singing this song across the world. this is the complete lyrics. order your copy of this REVIVAL CD from www.crownofglorymusic.com
Uploaded by ultimateworshipper on Sep 16, 2011
LYRICS #1
(Kofi Thompson; video example #3 in Part 1 of this pancocojams series).
JEHOVAH, YOU ARE THE MOST HIGH GOD (African Gospel)
Spoken-You know gods of the world are idols
Jehovah is the most high God
Group- All the other gods
They are the works of men.
But you are the Most High GOD
There is none like You. 2x
Soloist = Jehovah
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist = Jehovah
Group-You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Jehovah Adonai
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah Elohim
Group-You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-Jehovah Nissi eeii
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-You are the Most High
Group-You are the Most High God
Soloist- Oo my Jesus
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-Jehovah Nissi eeii
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-You are the Most High
Group-You are the Most High God
Soloist- Oo my Jesus
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
[instrumental interlude]
Soloist- Most High GOD
African-Caribbean medley
This is what the church sings
Congregation:
You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos HALLELUYAH
You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos: HALLELUYAH
(REPEAT a number of times)
Soloist –Oo Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- Jehovah
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist – You are the lifter of my head
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- You are the lover of my soul
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Oo my Jesus
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist –Christ Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist Oo my Jesus
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist- Oo I lift your Name
Group- You are the Most High GOD
[Soloist-Lift Him up!
Now we do one more time]
Group-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
Soloist -(Aye de, Aye de)
Group-You are good and your mercy is forever
Soloist –(me’gye onyame)
Group/soloist-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
Group/soloist-You are good and your mercy is forever
sopranos-HALLELUYAH
soloist- Oo Jesus Christ
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist-Oo My Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist – Jehovah is Your name
Group- You are the Most High
Soloist-Oh You are Elohim.
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist-You are Jehovah jireh
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-Ooh You are Jehovah Nissi
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist- You are the maker of the life that I live
Group-You are the Most High
Soloist-Oo Jesus
Group- You are the Most High GOD
Soloist: zobo zaba zebe zaba zobo zaba zobo zaba
Gor gor gor gor goorrr gor gor goorrr
(repeat)
AYE DE…
[soloist speaking]- now who said “drums cannot praise the Lord?”
Sings interjections and repeat” zobo lyrics” while band plays]
Soloist speaking: You know God asked the prophet jeremiah
“Look around You, what do you see?
If God asked me today “look around you Kofi, what do you see?
I will tell GOD
Soloist sings- I see a new season
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist sings- New season
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist-Fresh anointing
all around
Group - all around me
Soloist –Fresh revival
all around
Group- all around me
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around me
Soloist-Uncommon breakthroughs
Group - all around
Soloist-Aaaa!!! around
Group - all around me
Soloist-Uncommon favors
Group - all around
Soloist-Uncommon miracles
Group - all around me
Soloist- Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around
Soloist- Aaaa!!! around me
Group - all around me
Soloist-aarroouundd mmmeeeeeeeee
Group - all around me, all around me
Soloist-A aaarrrooouuunnnndd dd mmmmeeeeeeeeee
[soloist interjections]
-snip-
VERSION #2
(praise2life; video example #7 in Part 2 of this pancocojams series; transcription Azizi Powell).
JEHOVA
I give you praise
I give you praise
Lord I bow my knees to worship you
And give you praise
I give you praise
Jehovah
You are the Most High
Jehovah
You are the Most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
Jehovah, You are the Most High GOD
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Rock of Ages,
You are the Most High
Balm in Gilead,
You are the Most High God
Jehovah,
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God.
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Early in the mornin
I will rise and say
You are the most High God
Jehovah
You are the Most High
You are the Most High God
Rock of Ages
You are the most High
You are the most High God
You are
(You are)
You are
(You are)
You are
You are the most High God
I give you praises
Lord I bow my knees
You are the most High God
Je-ho-vah
You are the most
High God
-snip-
Note: This version appears to be that of a solo singer. However, another person can sometimes be heard faintly singing a response line, as indicated in parenthesis toward the end of that rendition.
Click http://www.museke.com/node/1767 for lyrics to Pastor Lenny Akpadie's version of this song.
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome!
Share! Learn! Enjoy!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God", Part 2
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is the Part 2 in a four part series on the the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". That praise song is also known as "You Are The Most High God" and "Most High God".
This post focuses on the various tempos & rhythms that are used for renditions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". This post also focuses on the custom of dancing in church to the uptempo versions of this song, and other uptempo religious songs.
Part 1 provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
Part 4 features four additional video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" from throughout the world.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
Throughout this series I may use the abbreviation JYATMHG to refer to Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Embedded videos are assigned a number which is used throughout this entire series.
PART 2
OVERVIEW
"You Are The Most High (God)" is a Gospel song from Nigeria which has a distinctive tune. There are a number of different rhythms for that song and tempos for that tune ranging from slow to very fast.
TEMPO & RHYTHM
Unfortunately, to date, besides for a few comments on YouTube video threads, I've not found any online information about the history of this song, and I can't determine from those online comments which lyrics or tempo was used for the earliest forms of "Jehovah You Are The Most High God".
African commentaters on YouTube video comment threads for the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" consistently indicate that they are most familiar with versions of that song which have an uptempo beat. And, it appears that many African and and other commentaters to the numerous "You Are The Most High" video threads prefer uptempo versions of this song to versions with slower tempos.
Ggenba Wise's version of "JYATMHG" (Video Example #1 in Part 1 of this series) has what I would describe as a mellow, jazz-like flavor. In contrast, African American Tye Tribbett's version of the same song(Video Example #2 in Part 1 of this series) is much slower, and the versions recorded by Ghanaian Lenny Akpadie and (Ghanaian?) Kofi Thompson (Video Example #3 & #4 in Part 1 of this series) both have an uptempo African-Caribbean jazz flavored, danceable rhythm. Indeed, Kofi Thompson refers to his popular version as an "Africaribb medley." Unfortunately, I can't determine what genre/s of African and Caribbean music is used for that "Africaribb" medley. I think the Caribbean rhythm might be Reggae, but I'm not certain of that. I also think that this version of "You Are The Most High God" sounds like it's Reggae:
Video Example #5: Jehovah... The most High
Uploaded by Uxtin Chase on Mar 6, 2009
Ordained pastor, Evangelist Sunday Eromosele is a gospel song writter, producer and a Solo artist whose mission and compassion is to reach out to the lost souls. His latest CD and DVD album tittled: "Jehovah... The Most High" is particularly aimed at praises and soul winning through his style of Music with an anointed gift from God.
-snip-
In possible contradiction to my belief that that version of "JYATMHG" is Reggae, a commentater on that YouTube video's viewer comment thread wrote "I like d guitar solo, may god bless u , he played abit of blues nd jazz nd it endin up nicely wid a congolese rhythm i love it, i rate him".
- Alabassman1; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=7lO9djSOaJs ; 2010
Here's a link to a version of "JYATMHG" that is clearly labeled as being Reggae version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOZov1YasuI Church gospel song reggae christian music - Jehovah you are the most High
I'd give the prize for the fastest tempo for "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" to this Columbus, Ohio's church group:
Video #6: You Are The Most High
Uploaded by Erwin Boateng on Feb 19, 2008
The Power of God Moving
-snip-
That video's summary doesn't indicate whether the group members are African or African American or both. A commentater shared that this video was taped at the group's rehearsal.
In contrast to that fast tempo rendition, here's a slow, acoustic guitar version of "You Are The Most High God" from praise2life:
Video #7: Jehovah
Uploaded by praise2life on Mar 3, 2009
Song on the cd...decided to post..its to bless someone and i hope you are ..blessed by it i mean...
-snip-
From the vocalist's (praise2life) YouTube page, I've surmised that she is from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria.
In response to a query about how she played this song, praise2life wrote:
"On the piano u play G:C:D:G...but on the guitar i just play CFCG chords..which is the progression i used for the song..hope that helps ..God bless..."
DANCING IN CHURCH
Videos of uptempo versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High" invariably feature people dancing in church or elsewhere while that song is being sung or played. The dance movements shown in those videos are the same as those performed for many contemporary social dance songs. Furthermore, persons writing on YouTube video threads for "JYATMHG" often post comments indicating that they were dancing while listening to the song, or they write that the song makes them dance and praise God. My interpretation of that last comment is that it may mean "The song makes them want to dance to praise God."
For many Americans seeing people doing what we assume are social dance movements in church to religious music may seem inconguent. However, since dancing, singing, and playing instrumental music are intricately intertwined in African traditions, it's not surprising that dancing to religious songs appears to be the norm in many African Christian churches. In conjunction with the rise of "praise & worship" singing in American and other Christian nations throughout the world, "praise dancing" is the term used for dancing in church. This purposeful form of dancing is different than spontaneous dancing while "getting happy" (feeling the Spirit) in Church of God In Christ (COGIC) and other churches.
Scenes of people dancing are interspersed in the official video for Kofi Thompson's hit contemporary Gospel song "You Are The Most High" (video example #3 in Part 1 of this series). Also, here's a video of a youth church choir performing this song. I'm including this video to as an example of how religious congregations may respond to the fast tempo of this song (and other religious songs) and how congregations may respond to the songs with slower tempos (as demonstrated when the tempo slows at the end of this particular song).
Video #7: CUMI Youth choir - You are the most high (live)
Uploaded by Gabriel Amadi on Mar 13, 2011
The youth choir ministering the amazing song, Jehova you are the most high at 2:30am.
-snip-
A commentater wrote that "At The End When She Was Improvising And Adlibing It Was Just Beautiful :)
Praise God"
-lilliz12; September 2011
This quote about improvising and adlibing lines to this song is a good segue into Part 3 of this series which focuses on two examples of lyrics used for the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is the Part 2 in a four part series on the the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". That praise song is also known as "You Are The Most High God" and "Most High God".
This post focuses on the various tempos & rhythms that are used for renditions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". This post also focuses on the custom of dancing in church to the uptempo versions of this song, and other uptempo religious songs.
Part 1 provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/africa-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 1 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
Part 4 features four additional video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" from throughout the world.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
Throughout this series I may use the abbreviation JYATMHG to refer to Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Embedded videos are assigned a number which is used throughout this entire series.
PART 2
OVERVIEW
"You Are The Most High (God)" is a Gospel song from Nigeria which has a distinctive tune. There are a number of different rhythms for that song and tempos for that tune ranging from slow to very fast.
TEMPO & RHYTHM
Unfortunately, to date, besides for a few comments on YouTube video threads, I've not found any online information about the history of this song, and I can't determine from those online comments which lyrics or tempo was used for the earliest forms of "Jehovah You Are The Most High God".
African commentaters on YouTube video comment threads for the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" consistently indicate that they are most familiar with versions of that song which have an uptempo beat. And, it appears that many African and and other commentaters to the numerous "You Are The Most High" video threads prefer uptempo versions of this song to versions with slower tempos.
Ggenba Wise's version of "JYATMHG" (Video Example #1 in Part 1 of this series) has what I would describe as a mellow, jazz-like flavor. In contrast, African American Tye Tribbett's version of the same song(Video Example #2 in Part 1 of this series) is much slower, and the versions recorded by Ghanaian Lenny Akpadie and (Ghanaian?) Kofi Thompson (Video Example #3 & #4 in Part 1 of this series) both have an uptempo African-Caribbean jazz flavored, danceable rhythm. Indeed, Kofi Thompson refers to his popular version as an "Africaribb medley." Unfortunately, I can't determine what genre/s of African and Caribbean music is used for that "Africaribb" medley. I think the Caribbean rhythm might be Reggae, but I'm not certain of that. I also think that this version of "You Are The Most High God" sounds like it's Reggae:
Video Example #5: Jehovah... The most High
Uploaded by Uxtin Chase on Mar 6, 2009
Ordained pastor, Evangelist Sunday Eromosele is a gospel song writter, producer and a Solo artist whose mission and compassion is to reach out to the lost souls. His latest CD and DVD album tittled: "Jehovah... The Most High" is particularly aimed at praises and soul winning through his style of Music with an anointed gift from God.
-snip-
In possible contradiction to my belief that that version of "JYATMHG" is Reggae, a commentater on that YouTube video's viewer comment thread wrote "I like d guitar solo, may god bless u , he played abit of blues nd jazz nd it endin up nicely wid a congolese rhythm i love it, i rate him".
- Alabassman1; http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=7lO9djSOaJs ; 2010
Here's a link to a version of "JYATMHG" that is clearly labeled as being Reggae version: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOZov1YasuI Church gospel song reggae christian music - Jehovah you are the most High
I'd give the prize for the fastest tempo for "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" to this Columbus, Ohio's church group:
Video #6: You Are The Most High
Uploaded by Erwin Boateng on Feb 19, 2008
The Power of God Moving
-snip-
That video's summary doesn't indicate whether the group members are African or African American or both. A commentater shared that this video was taped at the group's rehearsal.
In contrast to that fast tempo rendition, here's a slow, acoustic guitar version of "You Are The Most High God" from praise2life:
Video #7: Jehovah
Uploaded by praise2life on Mar 3, 2009
Song on the cd...decided to post..its to bless someone and i hope you are ..blessed by it i mean...
-snip-
From the vocalist's (praise2life) YouTube page, I've surmised that she is from the Yoruba ethnic group in Nigeria.
In response to a query about how she played this song, praise2life wrote:
"On the piano u play G:C:D:G...but on the guitar i just play CFCG chords..which is the progression i used for the song..hope that helps ..God bless..."
DANCING IN CHURCH
Videos of uptempo versions of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High" invariably feature people dancing in church or elsewhere while that song is being sung or played. The dance movements shown in those videos are the same as those performed for many contemporary social dance songs. Furthermore, persons writing on YouTube video threads for "JYATMHG" often post comments indicating that they were dancing while listening to the song, or they write that the song makes them dance and praise God. My interpretation of that last comment is that it may mean "The song makes them want to dance to praise God."
For many Americans seeing people doing what we assume are social dance movements in church to religious music may seem inconguent. However, since dancing, singing, and playing instrumental music are intricately intertwined in African traditions, it's not surprising that dancing to religious songs appears to be the norm in many African Christian churches. In conjunction with the rise of "praise & worship" singing in American and other Christian nations throughout the world, "praise dancing" is the term used for dancing in church. This purposeful form of dancing is different than spontaneous dancing while "getting happy" (feeling the Spirit) in Church of God In Christ (COGIC) and other churches.
Scenes of people dancing are interspersed in the official video for Kofi Thompson's hit contemporary Gospel song "You Are The Most High" (video example #3 in Part 1 of this series). Also, here's a video of a youth church choir performing this song. I'm including this video to as an example of how religious congregations may respond to the fast tempo of this song (and other religious songs) and how congregations may respond to the songs with slower tempos (as demonstrated when the tempo slows at the end of this particular song).
Video #7: CUMI Youth choir - You are the most high (live)
Uploaded by Gabriel Amadi on Mar 13, 2011
The youth choir ministering the amazing song, Jehova you are the most high at 2:30am.
-snip-
A commentater wrote that "At The End When She Was Improvising And Adlibing It Was Just Beautiful :)
Praise God"
-lilliz12; September 2011
This quote about improvising and adlibing lines to this song is a good segue into Part 3 of this series which focuses on two examples of lyrics used for the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
African Gospel Song "You Are The Most High God", Part 1
Edited by Azizi Powell
This is Part 1 in a four part series on the the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". That praise song is also known as "You Are The Most High God" and "Most High God".
Part 1 of this series provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Part 2 of this series focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
Part 4 of this series features several other video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
I'm sorry that I'm unable to provide a musical score for "You Are The Most High God's" identifiable tune. However, information written by a YouTube commentater about piano or guitar chords is included in Part 2 of this series under the sub-heading "Tempo".
For referencing use, embedded videos are assigned a number which is used throughout this entire series
While I value the spiritual nature of this song, these posts are published for their aesthetic values and as a means of documenting selective examples of this song on YouTube.
****
PART 1
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Gospel (praise) song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is originally from Nigeria, West Africa. The similarity in tune and certain lyrics to the Yoruba Nigerian Gospel song "Baba O Ese" (which is also known as "You Are The Pillar Which Holds My Life") inclines me to speculate that "JYATMHG" is also of Yoruba origin. But that is only a guess. Yet that guess is strengthened by the fact that the first person who appears to have recorded that song, Gbenga Owoeye-Wise (Gbenga Wise), is Yoruba. Source of Gbenga Wise's ethnicity: Biography of http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gbenga-Wise/96414758056?v=info&sk=info. More information on Ggenga Wise's recording of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is given below.
SIGNIFICANT RECORDINGS
There are many videos of "JYATMHG" on YouTube. Most of these examples are vocal renditions from Nigerian or Ghanaian artists. The earliest YouTube videos [sound files] of "JYATMHG" date from 2008. Several uploaders of "You Are The Most High God" songs indicate that the video that she or he has uploaded is the "original version" of this song. One such video [sound file] can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPS_y-R4X8g&feature=related JEHOVAH - You are the most high-Official /Original Version
The uploader of that video, praise2life, wrote "The original version of the song Jehovah -you are the most high it was done by the RCCG Mass choir praise team.
i don't have the album cover so i used another one from their other album."
In 2010 a viewer, maxiliving, responded to that assertion with this comment:
"Nice version but if it was not done before 1998 then it can't be the original version as Gbenga Owoeye Wyse did a wonderful version of the song in 1998.*
Having said that, the song was already being sang in Nigerian churches before Gbenga sang it.
I love Tye Tribbetts version also but Gbengas version is still my favourite.
Such a simple yet powerful and annointed song."
-snip-
* See update below for the correct recording date.
Here's a video of Gbenga Wise singing that "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" (although I think it's highly unlikely that this jazz tinged arrangement is the way he initially sung that song).
Video Example #1: Gbenga Wise -Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese Baba
Uploaded by gbengawise on Sep 9, 2010
"Gbenga Wise" Gospel "African Praise"
-snip-
As a bit of a digression, notice that Gbenga Wise combines "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" with the(what I think is a closely related) Yoruba Nigerian Gospel song "Baba Baba Ese Baba". That song is sometimes given as "Baba O Ese" and "Baba Ese". I belive that the Nigerian Gospel song "You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life" was and in some versions is still the same song as "Baba Ese". There are other videos which feature the song "You Are The Most High God" in combination with "Baba Ese".
Update
I exchanged online messages [1/6/2012] with musician, vocalist, & composer Gbenga Wise and received permission from him to post the following information:
1. [In response to my request that he confirm that he was the first person to record Jehovah You Are The Most High God, and my request for confirmation of that recording date]
"Yes i am the fisrt Gospel artist that recorded the song Jehovah You Are The Most High. The album was released in August 1999 and not 1998
2. [In response to my question "Was the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" known in Nigeria before he recorded it?]
"Yes it was in Nigeria before I recorded it."
3. [In response to my request for information about whether the structure and lyrics of that song were the same as his recording.]
"Yes it was a call and response song but the version you heard on my video is my version and the verses are my created verses which makes it different from the original version"
4. [In response to my questions about whether the song "Baba Ese O" is older than the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God"]
"I am not sure which song is older may be Jehovah or Baba Ese o Baba. I am not sure"
5. [In response to my question if the Nigerian song "Ise Oluwa" was the precurser of "Baba Ese"]
"The song Ise Oluwa is different from Baba Ese o baba and NO its not a precurse to Baba Ese o Baba"
-snip-
I appreciate Gbenda Wise's quick response to my queries. Although the text of this pancocojams post containst the wrong recording date for Gbenda Wise's recording of "Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese", I feel it would be unethical for me to edit that mistake in this particular post, but I'll use the correct recording date for any other post I write on this subject.
-snip-
Commentater maxiliving also mentioned the popular 2010 version of "You Are The Most High" by African American Gospel artists Tye Tribbett and Israel Houghton. Here's that version:
****
Video Example #2: tye tribbett ft Israel Houghton - most high God
Uploaded by ibksob on Jan 20, 2011
Most high God - Tye Tribbett, Tye Tribbett's new Album Fresh 2010
****
Video Example #3: You are the most high God - Lenny Akpadie
Uploaded by MerchandiseRichTV on Mar 19, 2011
-snip-
Several commentaters on various video's viewer comment threads mention Ghanaian Pastor Lenny Akpadie's version of "JYATMHG" as being very popular with Christians in Africa. I think that Akpadie's version was recorded in 2008 but I'm not certain of that.
****
Video Example #4
Jehovah You're the most high (World #1 hit praise song)
Uploaded by beacon1327 on Jun 3, 2010
#1 hit praise song in the world today. Visit our website www.crownofglorymusic.com to order your copy.
-snip-
*A video which provides the lyrics to Kofi Thompson's version is featured in Part 3 of this pancocojams series.
A number of versions of "You Are The Most High" have an uptempo, African-Caribbean jazz flavored, danceable rhythm. An example of this arrangement of "JYATMHG" is this video of Kofi Thompson. On a companion video* that arrangement is described as an "Africaribb medley".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
This is Part 1 in a four part series on the the African Gospel song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". That praise song is also known as "You Are The Most High God" and "Most High God".
Part 1 of this series provides a general overview of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" and also features several significant videos of that song.
Part 2 of this series focuses on tempos and rhythms that have been used for various renditions of that Gospel song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-jehovah-you-are.html for Part 2 of this series.
Part 3 of this series includes information about the call & response structure the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God". Part 3 also includes the text to (lyrics of) two versions of this song.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/lyric-examples-of-jehovah-you-are-most.html for Part 3 of this series.
Part 4 of this series features several other video examples of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God".
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/african-gospel-song-you-are-most-high.html for Part 4 of this series.
I'm sorry that I'm unable to provide a musical score for "You Are The Most High God's" identifiable tune. However, information written by a YouTube commentater about piano or guitar chords is included in Part 2 of this series under the sub-heading "Tempo".
For referencing use, embedded videos are assigned a number which is used throughout this entire series
While I value the spiritual nature of this song, these posts are published for their aesthetic values and as a means of documenting selective examples of this song on YouTube.
****
PART 1
GENERAL OVERVIEW
The Gospel (praise) song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is originally from Nigeria, West Africa. The similarity in tune and certain lyrics to the Yoruba Nigerian Gospel song "Baba O Ese" (which is also known as "You Are The Pillar Which Holds My Life") inclines me to speculate that "JYATMHG" is also of Yoruba origin. But that is only a guess. Yet that guess is strengthened by the fact that the first person who appears to have recorded that song, Gbenga Owoeye-Wise (Gbenga Wise), is Yoruba. Source of Gbenga Wise's ethnicity: Biography of http://www.facebook.com/pages/Gbenga-Wise/96414758056?v=info&sk=info. More information on Ggenga Wise's recording of "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" is given below.
SIGNIFICANT RECORDINGS
There are many videos of "JYATMHG" on YouTube. Most of these examples are vocal renditions from Nigerian or Ghanaian artists. The earliest YouTube videos [sound files] of "JYATMHG" date from 2008. Several uploaders of "You Are The Most High God" songs indicate that the video that she or he has uploaded is the "original version" of this song. One such video [sound file] can be found at
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PPS_y-R4X8g&feature=related JEHOVAH - You are the most high-Official /Original Version
The uploader of that video, praise2life, wrote "The original version of the song Jehovah -you are the most high it was done by the RCCG Mass choir praise team.
i don't have the album cover so i used another one from their other album."
In 2010 a viewer, maxiliving, responded to that assertion with this comment:
"Nice version but if it was not done before 1998 then it can't be the original version as Gbenga Owoeye Wyse did a wonderful version of the song in 1998.*
Having said that, the song was already being sang in Nigerian churches before Gbenga sang it.
I love Tye Tribbetts version also but Gbengas version is still my favourite.
Such a simple yet powerful and annointed song."
-snip-
* See update below for the correct recording date.
Here's a video of Gbenga Wise singing that "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" (although I think it's highly unlikely that this jazz tinged arrangement is the way he initially sung that song).
Video Example #1: Gbenga Wise -Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese Baba
Uploaded by gbengawise on Sep 9, 2010
"Gbenga Wise" Gospel "African Praise"
-snip-
As a bit of a digression, notice that Gbenga Wise combines "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" with the(what I think is a closely related) Yoruba Nigerian Gospel song "Baba Baba Ese Baba". That song is sometimes given as "Baba O Ese" and "Baba Ese". I belive that the Nigerian Gospel song "You Are The Pillar That Holds My Life" was and in some versions is still the same song as "Baba Ese". There are other videos which feature the song "You Are The Most High God" in combination with "Baba Ese".
Update
I exchanged online messages [1/6/2012] with musician, vocalist, & composer Gbenga Wise and received permission from him to post the following information:
1. [In response to my request that he confirm that he was the first person to record Jehovah You Are The Most High God, and my request for confirmation of that recording date]
"Yes i am the fisrt Gospel artist that recorded the song Jehovah You Are The Most High. The album was released in August 1999 and not 1998
2. [In response to my question "Was the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God" known in Nigeria before he recorded it?]
"Yes it was in Nigeria before I recorded it."
3. [In response to my request for information about whether the structure and lyrics of that song were the same as his recording.]
"Yes it was a call and response song but the version you heard on my video is my version and the verses are my created verses which makes it different from the original version"
4. [In response to my questions about whether the song "Baba Ese O" is older than the song "Jehovah, You Are The Most High God"]
"I am not sure which song is older may be Jehovah or Baba Ese o Baba. I am not sure"
5. [In response to my question if the Nigerian song "Ise Oluwa" was the precurser of "Baba Ese"]
"The song Ise Oluwa is different from Baba Ese o baba and NO its not a precurse to Baba Ese o Baba"
-snip-
I appreciate Gbenda Wise's quick response to my queries. Although the text of this pancocojams post containst the wrong recording date for Gbenda Wise's recording of "Jehovah/Baba Baba Ese", I feel it would be unethical for me to edit that mistake in this particular post, but I'll use the correct recording date for any other post I write on this subject.
-snip-
Commentater maxiliving also mentioned the popular 2010 version of "You Are The Most High" by African American Gospel artists Tye Tribbett and Israel Houghton. Here's that version:
****
Video Example #2: tye tribbett ft Israel Houghton - most high God
Uploaded by ibksob on Jan 20, 2011
Most high God - Tye Tribbett, Tye Tribbett's new Album Fresh 2010
****
Video Example #3: You are the most high God - Lenny Akpadie
Uploaded by MerchandiseRichTV on Mar 19, 2011
-snip-
Several commentaters on various video's viewer comment threads mention Ghanaian Pastor Lenny Akpadie's version of "JYATMHG" as being very popular with Christians in Africa. I think that Akpadie's version was recorded in 2008 but I'm not certain of that.
****
Video Example #4
Jehovah You're the most high (World #1 hit praise song)
Uploaded by beacon1327 on Jun 3, 2010
#1 hit praise song in the world today. Visit our website www.crownofglorymusic.com to order your copy.
-snip-
*A video which provides the lyrics to Kofi Thompson's version is featured in Part 3 of this pancocojams series.
A number of versions of "You Are The Most High" have an uptempo, African-Caribbean jazz flavored, danceable rhythm. An example of this arrangement of "JYATMHG" is this video of Kofi Thompson. On a companion video* that arrangement is described as an "Africaribb medley".
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
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