Spinning off with a loud Alleluia! chant, segued by soothing pianos and harmonization, Lawrence Oyor just-released “Joy On My Account” is quite the joy giver it claims to be. And a quick peek into its production credits reveals a familiar ingenious audio-engineer and music director, Chubie Ujah. And it’s another brilliant example of Ujah’s intense and dramatic compositions, as well as his smooth audio mixing prowess.

While the rudiments of a well-mixed song, including pace, transitions, backing effects, and good synchronization appear across the Christian gospel praise songs, Oyor’s “Joy On My Account” remains iconic for its composition/arrangement. Ujah’s interesting mix of percussion — from Conga and Tom Drums to Tambourines and Piano — and Guitar riffs create a multi-layered or complex melody. The instrumentation matches the song, from the second out of ninth minute, ushered in by a choir harmonizing the chorus, “There would be joy joy joy/ in the heavens, there would be joy on my account.”

This helps the song stand out with a suspenseful instrumental intro matched by an even more sonorous complex vocal intro, altogether an entire one-quarter that feels like a complete lo-fi song on its own.

The song’s pace also leaps with a confident structure, with enough vocal-free space for the drums and guitar to give the song the required outline of a high-tempo Christian praise jam.

Functionally, the song also creates an atmosphere for dancing. Even the pockets of phrases that flesh up the song’s lyricism all crescendo when performed, leaving the drums and guitars to salten the composition with even more flavour.

Interestingly, at times, the drummer’s solos, especially in the seventh minute, heighten the tension and also help increase the singer’s control over the entire song.

It’s very reminiscent of his 2024 work with Xtremelife and Pastor Peterock Sadiq where he directed a multi-instrumental song with spoken prayer verses; in that song, the guitars and drums also heighten the lyricism, controlling the entire pace of the song, but with a humble fusion that actually allows for better synergy. It is usually only at the closing segment of the song that the drummers are given the go to perform a capella.

Overall, Ujah’s direction and audio-engineering efforts on “Joy On My Account”, which is part of his forthcoming 8-tracker EP with Nigerian Christian gospel singer Lawrence Oyor, is quite a cohesive record, replete with good pacing, and a rich blend of instrumentation that borrows elements from rock, pop, country and Naija gospel.

It’s rich, in functionality, as a praise jam, and is also sonically textured to feel like a smooth glide down a slide. The song definitely thrives with replay value, and is a testament to Ujah’s expertise in crafting complex songs that feel warm, intimate and engaging enough to serve as a breezy lengthy listen.

Chubiyojo “Chubie” Justice Ujah is a multifaceted individual with an impactful presence in Christian ministry and the global music industry. He is the President and Founder of Xtremelife Ministry International, a non- denominational outreach ministry dedicated to spreading the Gospel and equipping believers for spiritual growth.

Ujah is an accomplished music professional with a reputation for excellence in music direction, production, and mastering. His notable contributions include: “Yahweh” by E-Daniels (Mastering Engineer); “Only Yeshua“ by David Dam (Mastering Engineer); “Never Be the Same” by David Dam (Music Director & Mastering Engineer), among others. He has also released personal projects such as “Agba o“ and “Igala” Praise Medleys, showcasing his creative versatility and cultural pride. His works have achieved millions of streams and widespread acclaim, resonating with audiences worldwide.