Artist: Cornelius Benjamin
Song: EZI ENYI
Album: JESUS BE OGA 2
Track: 2
Genre: Gospel
Language: Igbo
Released: June 11, 2001
Duration: 4:32
Label: 5737480 Records DK
Some old gospel songs just have a way of staying with you, and “EZI ENYI” by Cornelius Benjamin is one of them.
The song was released on June 11, 2001, as the second track on his JESUS BE OGA 2 album. At 4 minutes and 32 seconds, it is one of the longer songs on the 14 track project.
“Ezi Enyi” is an Igbo expression that can be understood as “Good Friend.” In the context of gospel music, the song points to God as the faithful friend who can always be trusted.
What makes this song interesting today is that it has not simply disappeared with the old records. More than 20 years after its original release, “EZI ENYI” is still available on streaming platforms, and it remains one of Cornelius Benjamin’s better known songs. Spotify currently lists it among his popular tracks, while his official Audiomack page shows more than 126,000 plays.
The song is also part of a very strong catalogue from Cornelius Benjamin. JESUS BE OGA 2 contains 14 songs, including “JEHOVA MAZURU,” “NKEM APUGHI ICHE,” “OBU JEHOVA,” “NANI GI,” “HEAVENLY RACE,” “GOD IS GREATER” and “M’GA ESO GI (ONYE NZOPUTAM).”
Interestingly, Cornelius Benjamin is still active in gospel music today. His catalogue goes back to the 1990s, but his music continues to appear on streaming platforms, with his latest listed release, “GINI KAM GA EJI (WHAT SHALL I RENDER),” released in March 2026.
That’s what makes bringing back songs like “EZI ENYI” worthwhile. For people who listened to Nigerian gospel music in the early 2000s, it can bring back memories. For younger listeners, it is a chance to discover the sound and style of an earlier generation of Nigerian gospel artists.
Listen to Cornelius Benjamin – EZI ENYI using the audio player below and enjoy another classic from the JESUS BE OGA 2 album.
