Artist: Cornelius Benjamin
Song: Heavenly Race
Album: JESUS BE OGA 2
Track: 8
Genre: Gospel
Language: English
Released: June 11, 2001
Duration: 6:34
Label: 5737480 Records DK
If you’ve been going through the old gospel songs from Cornelius Benjamin, “Heavenly Race” is one track you shouldn’t skip.
Released in 2001, the song is the eighth track on his JESUS BE OGA 2 album. At 6 minutes and 34 seconds, it is also one of the longer songs on the 14 track project.
The message is simple but serious. “Heavenly Race” talks about the Christian journey and the need to keep going until the end. The song encourages believers not to give up, even when the journey becomes difficult. One of its memorable lines is the repeated declaration that the singer will not get tired in the heavenly race, by the grace of God.
That message is probably why the song still connects with people today. Life can be difficult, and sometimes people need that simple reminder to keep moving and hold on to their faith.
There is also something interesting about the song’s history. “Heavenly Race” has remained one of Cornelius Benjamin’s better known recordings from JESUS BE OGA 2. His official Audiomack page has recorded more than 57,000 plays for the song, while Apple Music currently lists it among his top songs.
The song sits among several other well known tracks on the album, including “JEHOVA MAZURU,” “EZI ENYI,” “NKEM APUGHI ICHE,” “OLU OMA GI EBUKA,” “ONYE UKWU,” “NANI GI,” “GOD IS GREATER” and “M’GA ESO GI (ONYE NZOPUTAM).” The full album contains 14 songs and runs for about 46 minutes.
More than two decades after its original release, “Heavenly Race” remains a good example of the kind of gospel music Cornelius Benjamin built his name around. It is straightforward, faith focused and doesn’t try to hide its message behind complicated lyrics.
And Cornelius Benjamin is still active. His catalogue stretches from the 1990s through several gospel projects, with his latest listed release, “GINI KAM GA EJI (WHAT SHALL I RENDER),” released in March 2026.
If you grew up listening to old Nigerian gospel music, this one may bring back some memories. If you’re hearing it for the first time, it’s a good introduction to the earlier sound of Nigerian gospel.
Listen to Cornelius Benjamin – Heavenly Race using the audio player below and enjoy another classic from JESUS BE OGA 2.
