Gabriel Eziashi – Hallelujah Ft. Olumide Iyun

The word is Hebrew for praise the Lord, and it has travelled into almost every language on earth. In Nigeria, it is shouted at crusades, whispered in kitchens and sung at funerals, and it carries the same meaning each time. It is the sound people make when a prayer is answered or when they simply want to say thank you.

What makes it special is how many moods it can hold. It can be joyful, loud and full of dancing, or quiet and heavy with gratitude after a long struggle. Many people have said it through tears, and that is why the word never feels worn out, no matter how often it is used.

I will not pretend to describe production details or lyrics I cannot confirm, but a title this familiar suggests a record built for singing along, with a chorus anyone can join without learning it first. Having Olumide Iyun on the credits adds a second voice, and praise tends to sound bigger when someone answers the call.

There is a quiet challenge in using such a famous word, because every listener has already heard it a thousand times. The song has to bring something fresh. By the time a friend sends you Hallelujah on a Sunday morning, you will probably know they are in a thankful mood.

Anyone who has something to be grateful for will see themselves in the idea. It suits church services, thanksgiving parties and bright mornings when praise comes easily.

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