A Christmas piece that tells the story of the birth of Jesus from an African perspective. It consists of various elements from different genres beautifully knitted to convey the depth and essence of this important story, and the earnest need for a savior in this broken and sinful world. This story is told and expressed in an uncommon theatrical medium, hence, a One-Man musical. 

Synopsis: The sinfulness of man grows strong, they have turned away from the Almighty God, and crimes, injustices, sickness, and disaster continue to grow due to their iniquities. In this African village (the World, symbolically) plagued by severe famines and strife, where hope has disappeared and the heart of its people is hardened, and no one has answers to alleviate the situation. No one to reconcile humanity back to its creator, God. 

One of the wise men in the village, a Priest took it upon himself to plead with Olodumare (The Almighty God) for mercy. (Yorùbá Ewì – chants) He mourns for their sins and appeals to God to send a deliverer, the promised Savior, “Didn’t My Lord Deliver, Daniel.” The Priest heard of the newborn baby and questioned “Who is this baby?” “What was He born to do?” and “How will he achieve His purpose?” He kneels in prayer and seeks understanding from the Almighty God as he sings, “It’s Me, O Lord.” 

In a vision, while the Priest slept, he received answers to his questions that the baby King, Jesus, has brought good tidings of great joy to all. He was born to deliver all from their sin and reconcile them to God by taking on himself their burdens and sin, Isaiah 53:4-6. The Priest proclaims this deliverance and invites Jesus to come, as he sings “A Litany for Advent.” Bursting in joy, “Gbó ohùn àwon áńgélì tí ń korin” the Priest praises God in reverence for the newborn King, Jesus, sang “Isaiah 9:6” and invites all to join in the worship “O Come Let Us Adore Him.” In exceeding celebration, he sings a song of adoration “Oba Ńlá Ni, Olúwa” (The Great King is the Lord). 

Duration: 60 minutes  

Inspiration: 2chronicles 7:13-14, Isaiah 9:1-7, Isaiah 53:6, Psalm 95:1-7, Psalm 148, Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:1-14, John 3:16, and more. 

Musical ideas: A blend of Yorùbá language chants, culture, music, and various Western music (African American Spirituals, Gospel, and Classical Music). The chants are in the Yorùbá language from the Western part of Nigeria, while the monologues, spoken words, and most of the songs are in the English language.