Abuja-based Nigerian gospel music minister, songwriter, and producer Manus Akpanke has joined forces with acclaimed vocalist CJ Nonso, alongside rising worship voices Oluwapelumi and Joshua Ekpenyong, to release "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)," a sweeping, eight-minute worship anthem performed collectively under the name HALLEL Community Choir.
"Hallelujah (My Song Forever)" is built upon a simple yet profound declaration that forms the heartbeat of Christian worship across cultures and centuries: the exaltation of God through the ancient Hebrew word "Hallelujah," which means "Praise the Lord." The song's title itself carries a dual commitment, it is not merely a momentary expression of gratitude but a song that the believer commits to sing forever, positioning praise not as a reaction to circumstance but as an eternal vocation. This theological depth is woven throughout the track's extended runtime, which allows the worship experience to unfold with the patience and progression of a genuine spiritual encounter rather than the compression of a radio-friendly single. The eight-minute duration is a deliberate artistic choice that reflects the African tradition of extended praise, where worship is not rushed or condensed but is allowed to build, to breathe, and to transport the congregation into a prolonged state of adoration.
Manus Akpanke brings to this collaboration a wealth of experience and a distinctive artistic vision that has established him as one of the most influential figures in Nigeria's gospel music landscape. Based in Abuja, the nation's capital, he has built a reputation as a gospel music minister, songwriter, and music producer whose ministry is accompanied by a deep commitment to spiritual authenticity and musical excellence. CJ Nonso contributes a vocal presence that has made him one of the most sought-after collaborators in contemporary Nigerian gospel music. His voice carries a warmth and expressiveness that elevates any project he touches, and his partnership with Akpanke on this track represents a meeting of like-minded artists committed to using music as a vehicle for spiritual encounter. This song has demonstrated his versatility and his ability to adapt his gifts to diverse worship contexts while maintaining a consistent thread of emotional authenticity. On "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)," his contribution adds a layer of seasoned gravitas that anchors the song's more exuberant moments, creating a dynamic interplay between the various vocal textures.
The inclusion of Oluwapelumi and Joshua Ekpenyong introduces fresh voices to the project, representing the next generation of Nigerian worship leaders who are being raised up to carry the torch of gospel music into the future. Their featured status on the track suggests that Akpanke and CJ Nonso are not merely building a platform for themselves but are actively investing in the development of younger artists, modeling a ministry ethos of multiplication rather than monopoly. Oluwapelumi and Joshua Ekpenyong bring a youthful energy and passion to the recording, their voices blending with the more established leads to create a sound that spans generations and invites listeners of all ages to join in the praise.
The production of "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)" reflects the technical sophistication that has come to define Manus Akpanke's work as a producer. The arrangement is spacious yet full, creating room for each vocal contribution to be heard clearly while building toward moments of collective exultation where the full ensemble joins in unified declaration. The instrumental palette draws from contemporary worship sounds, warm keyboard textures, driving percussion, and melodic guitar lines that support the vocal lines without competing for attention. The dynamic range is carefully managed, with quieter moments of intimate reflection giving way to passages of exuberant praise, creating an arc that mirrors the emotional journey of authentic worship. The mixing and mastering ensure clarity across the frequency spectrum, with the vocals sitting comfortably in the sonic landscape and the rhythmic elements providing propulsive energy without overwhelming the message.
The live video that accompanies the release is essential to understanding the full impact of "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)." Captured during a genuine worship gathering, the video presents the HALLEL Community Choir not as performers on a stage but as worshippers in the midst of a spiritual encounter. The camera work focuses on faces, hands raised in praise, and the visible emotion of the participants, creating an atmosphere that invites viewers to join rather than merely observe. The extended length of the video, matching the song's eight-minute runtime, allows the visual narrative to unfold with the same patience as the music, building from moments of quiet invocation to passages of collective celebration. This visual component transforms the release from a mere audio product into a multimedia worship experience, accessible to anyone with an internet connection and a heart ready to praise.
As "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)" begins to find its way into churches, prayer meetings, personal devotion times, and streaming playlists across Nigeria and beyond, its impact will be measured not merely in streams or views but in transformed lives. The song carries within it the residue of genuine worship, the testimony of a community that has gathered not to perform but to encounter, not to impress but to express. For listeners encountering the track for the first time, the invitation is clear: to join a chorus of praise that stretches back through the generations and forward into eternity, to add one's voice to the timeless testimony that God is worthy of praise not because of what He has done but because of who He is. In doing so, they participate in the ongoing, unfolding story of divine faithfulness that "Hallelujah (My Song Forever)" so beautifully celebrates.
"Hallelujah (My Song Forever)" is available now on all major streaming platforms.
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