Manus Akpanke – Profile
Manus Akpanke — Profile
Manus Akpanke is a Nigerian gospel music minister, worship leader, songwriter, music producer, choir director and recording artist based in Abuja, Nigeria. He is known for his worship-centered music, live recordings and collaborations with other Nigerian gospel artists. He is also the founder of Hallel Community, a Christian worship community built around worship, musical development, mentorship and community impact. (Hallel Community)
His musical catalogue includes projects such as Jesus Only, Expressionz, Rabbi Raboni (Live), OGBENINIJA (Live), Decided, This Is Me, and several other worship recordings. His work has also included collaborations with gospel artists such as Dunsin Oyekan, Ebuka Songs, Kaestrings, Elijah Oyelade, Prospa Ochimana, Isabella Melodies, Tee Worship, Solomon Lange and others. (Apple Music)
Early Musical Development
Publicly available authoritative sources provide limited information about Manus Akpanke’s childhood, date of birth and early family life. Rather than filling these gaps with unverified information, what can be established from reliable sources is his long-standing involvement in worship ministry and music.
Hallel Community describes Manus as a worship leader, choir director and minister with more than 15 years of experience building worshipping communities. This places his involvement in organized worship ministry well before the release of many of his better-known recordings. (Hallel Community)
His work has developed around both worship leading and music production, allowing him to function not only as a recording artist but also behind the scenes as a songwriter, producer and musical director.
Career as a Music Producer
Manus Akpanke’s career extends beyond his own recordings. He has worked as a music producer and recording engineer, contributing to recordings by other gospel artists.
An example of his production work dates back to at least 2018–2019, when he was credited as the producer/recording professional behind gospel projects involving other Abuja-based worship artists. In 2019, he was credited with recording, mixing and mastering Sam Ibozi’s “I Receive,” a live worship recording from the Songs of a Kind (SOAK) project. (K Gospel Music)
He has also received production credits on other gospel recordings. For example, Manus co-produced “At The End Of My Days” by Isabella Melodies featuring Prospa Ochimana and Manus Akpanke. The recording was captured live in Abuja at the fourth edition of Isabella Melodies’ Secret Place Rendezvous. (GMusicPlus)
His production work has therefore formed an important part of his contribution to Nigerian gospel music, even on projects where he is not the principal recording artist.
Recording Artist and Worship Leader
As a recording artist, Manus Akpanke’s music is predominantly centered on worship, prayer, God’s character, faith and Christian devotion.
His catalogue includes both studio recordings and extended live worship sessions. His songs frequently take the form of spontaneous worship, live ministrations and extended worship recordings rather than conventional short-format pop songs.
This approach is particularly evident in recordings such as “Holy Spirit,” “You Are Good,” “The Same,” “Your Name,” “You Are Near,” “Surrounded,” “Made For More,” and “Power Belongs To God.” These songs appear on his 2021 album Jesus Only. (Amazon Music)
Jesus Only
One of Manus Akpanke’s significant recorded projects is his 2021 album Jesus Only.
Released in November 2021, the album contains 12 songs and runs for approximately 90 minutes. The project includes songs such as:
- Made For More
- Power Belongs To God featuring Avodah
- Release Your Power featuring Jimmy D Psalmist and Ema Onyx
- Your Name
- Be Thou Exalted
- You Are Good
- The Same
- Never Lie
- Holy Spirit
- Hallelujah featuring Stephanie Kome-Ita
- You Are Near
- Surrounded featuring Cj Chris
The album was released under Koined Records with distribution through Fortune Wind Digital. (Amazon Music)
The project established a substantial body of recorded worship music and helped document the musical direction that has remained characteristic of Manus Akpanke’s work.
The Same and Dunsin Oyekan
One of Manus Akpanke’s earlier recognized collaborations was “The Same,” featuring Nigerian gospel worship leader Dunsin Oyekan.
The live recording was released in 2019 and appears in Manus Akpanke’s catalogue as “The Same (feat. Dunsin Oyekan) [Spontaneous Series 1].” (Apple Music)
The collaboration is representative of Manus’s emphasis on spontaneous worship and live musical expression.
Live Worship Recordings
Live worship has become one of the defining characteristics of Manus Akpanke’s catalogue.
His releases include “All Things Are Possible (Live),” “Idi Ebube (Live),” “Rabbi Raboni (Live),” “OGBENINIJA (Live),” “JEHOVAH (Live),” “E Ti Tobi To (Live),” and several other live projects. (Apple Music)
His live recordings frequently involve other worship leaders and musicians, creating extended musical expressions rather than simply reproducing studio arrangements.
Idi Ebube
In 2023, Manus Akpanke released “Idi Ebube (Live)”, featuring Dr. Ugonma.
The song became one of the recognized recordings in his catalogue and forms part of his broader series of live worship releases. (Apple Music)
The same period also saw the release of his collaboration “Spontaneous Worship (Holy Spirit / Done Me Well / All Things Are Possible – Medley)” with Solomon Lange. The recording was released in November 2023 under Koined Records. (Qobuz)
Rabbi Raboni
Another important release in Manus Akpanke’s catalogue is “Rabbi Raboni (Live),” a collaboration with Nigerian gospel artist Ebuka Songs.
The recording was released in 2024 and became one of Manus Akpanke’s most prominent streaming releases. Spotify currently lists it among his popular tracks, alongside “OGBENINIJA (Live),” “This Is Me,” “Idi Ebube (Live)” and “Holy Spirit.” (Spotify)
The song demonstrates Manus’s continuing interest in live worship and collaborative ministry.
OGBENINIJA
In 2025, Manus Akpanke collaborated with Tee Worship on “OGBENINIJA (Live).”
The recording was released on July 25, 2025 and is presented as a gospel worship project. The title “Ogbeni Nija” is described in contemporary coverage as referring to God as the fearless warrior. The song centers on God’s ability to fight and win battles. (Apple Music; WorshipCulture Radio)
The recording was captured live at Hallel 25 in Abuja, connecting the song to the worship community Manus has established. (WorshipCulture Radio)
Decided
Manus Akpanke also collaborated with Kaestrings on the 2025 gospel release “Decided.”
The project was released in June 2025 under Koined Records. Manus is credited as the producer, main artist, composer and lyricist, while Kaestrings is credited as a main artist. (Qobuz)
The collaboration reflects Manus’s continuing work with younger and contemporary voices in Nigerian gospel music.
This Is Me
On December 29, 2025, Manus Akpanke released “This Is Me.”
The gospel single is credited to Manus as the lead vocalist, songwriter and producer, and was released under Koined Records. (Apple Music; Shazam)
The song became another part of the expanding catalogue through which Manus has continued to document his personal worship expression.
Hallel Community
One of Manus Akpanke’s most important contributions outside individual recordings is Hallel Community, which he founded.
Hallel describes itself as a Christian community built around worship, musical development, mentorship and practical community impact. The organization identifies Manus Akpanke as its founder and describes him as the vision behind the community. (Hallel Community)
The community currently operates through four major areas:
- Hallel Community Mass Choir — a worship community built around collective singing and worship.
- Hallel Music Academy — focused on voice, instruments, music theory and worship craft.
- Hallel Mentorship Hub — focused on discipleship and personal development.
- Hallel Helping Hands Foundation — focused on practical care and community impact. (Hallel Community)
This work illustrates that Manus’s contribution to Christian music extends beyond his personal recording career into the development of worship communities and music ministers.
Hallel Mass Choir
The Hallel Mass Choir is central to the Hallel Community’s musical identity.
Hallel describes the choir as the heartbeat of the community, bringing together multiple voices into a collective expression of worship. The community’s recent releases include “Hallelujah (My Song Forever)” by Manus Akpanke featuring the Hallel Mass Choir. (Hallel Community)
The choir also participates in live worship events and recordings associated with Hallel.
Music Ministers Summit
In 2025, Manus Akpanke convened the Music Ministers Summit, an Abuja gathering themed “Realignment and Restoration.”
The event brought together worship leaders, music ministers and gospel creatives for teaching, worship and discussions focused on the spiritual and practical responsibilities of music ministry. (GMusicPlus)
The summit featured speakers and ministers including Andy Osakwe, Sam Oye, Panam Percy Paul, Johnnie Akpanke, Elijah Oyelade and JT Bakare. (GMusicPlus)
The event further demonstrates Manus’s involvement in developing and supporting the wider music-ministry community.
Songwriting and Production
Manus Akpanke’s role in gospel music is not limited to singing.
He has received credits as a songwriter, composer and producer on his own recordings and on collaborative projects. For example, Shazam credits him as songwriter and producer on “This Is Me,” while his 2025 collaboration “Decided” credits him as composer, producer and main artist. (Shazam; Qobuz)
He has also produced music for other worship leaders, including the aforementioned “At The End Of My Days” by Isabella Melodies featuring Prospa Ochimana. (GMusicPlus)
This combination of artist, songwriter and producer gives Manus a broader role within Nigeria’s gospel music ecosystem.
Musical Collaborations
Throughout his career, Manus Akpanke has worked with a wide range of gospel artists.
Documented collaborators include:
- Dunsin Oyekan
- Ebuka Songs
- Kaestrings
- Tee Worship
- Elijah Oyelade
- Prospa Ochimana
- Isabella Melodies
- Solomon Lange
- Jimmy D Psalmist
- Ema Onyx
- Stephanie Kome-Ita
- Dr. Ugonma
- Avodah
- Cj Chris
- Hallel Mass Choir
These collaborations appear across his studio albums, live recordings and featured appearances. (Apple Music)
He has also appeared as a featured artist on recordings by other musicians, including “At the End of My Days” with Isabella Melodies and Prospa Ochimana, as well as other gospel projects. (Apple Music)
Recent Work
Manus Akpanke has remained active in music through 2026.
His current catalogue includes releases such as:
- All Things Possible — 2026
- Light Of The World (Live) — 2026
- I CALL YOU JESUS (Live) — 2026
- Hallelujah (My Song Forever) featuring Oluwapelumi and Joshua Ekpenyong — 2026
- YES & AMEN with Emmanuel Ekpo — 2026
- Angels All Around (Live) — 2026
Apple Music lists Angels All Around (Live) as a September 2026 release and YES & AMEN among his 2026 releases. (Apple Music)
The continued release of live worship recordings shows that his musical work remains active and evolving.
Musical Identity and Ministry
The central characteristic of Manus Akpanke’s music is its emphasis on worship and the Christian faith.
His catalogue contains songs addressing God’s greatness, the Holy Spirit, God’s faithfulness, surrender, praise and the believer’s relationship with God. His recordings often extend beyond conventional song lengths, particularly in live and spontaneous worship settings. (Amazon Music)
His work with Hallel Community reinforces this emphasis. The organization’s stated purpose is to bring hope, transformation and God’s love through worship, community and practical impact. (Hallel Community)
Rather than operating solely as a recording artist, Manus has built his career around several interconnected roles: worship leader, recording artist, songwriter, producer, choir director, mentor and community builder.
Legacy and Continuing Work
Manus Akpanke’s career illustrates the growing importance of live worship, collaborative ministry and music production within contemporary Nigerian gospel music.
From his work as a producer and songwriter to his own albums and live recordings, he has contributed to numerous worship projects. His founding of Hallel Community has also created a platform for developing choirs, musicians and worship ministers.
As of 2026, Manus continues to release music and lead worship while developing Hallel’s broader vision through its mass choir, music academy, mentorship programme and helping-hands initiative. (Hallel Community)
His body of work is therefore not limited to his personal discography. It includes music production, songwriting, live worship, choir development, music-ministry training and community building, all of which form significant parts of his public career.
Selected Discography
- Expressionz — 2020
- Jesus Only — 2021
- You Are A Wonder — 2022
- All Things Are Possible (Live) — 2022
- Idi Ebube (Live) — 2023
- Spontaneous Worship — 2023
- Rabbi Raboni (Live) — 2024
- Kingdom Come — 2024
- OGBENINIJA (Live) — 2025
- Decided — 2025
- This Is Me — 2025
- JEHOVAH (Live) — 2025
- Hallelujah (My Song Forever) — 2026
- YES & AMEN — 2026
- I CALL YOU JESUS (Live) — 2026
- Light Of The World (Live) — 2026
- Angels All Around (Live) — 2026 (Apple Music)
Selected Songs
- The Same featuring Dunsin Oyekan
- Your Name
- You Are Good
- Holy Spirit
- You Are Near
- Made For More
- Power Belongs To God
- Release Your Power
- All Things Are Possible
- Idi Ebube
- Thank You (Live) featuring Elijah Oyelade
- Rabbi Raboni (Live) featuring Ebuka Songs
- OGBENINIJA (Live) featuring Tee Worship
- Decided featuring Kaestrings
- This Is Me
- Hallelujah (My Song Forever)
- YES & AMEN (Spotify)
