By Benjamin Njoku

Nigerian-German music minister Ebenezer Onu Jonathan, known in music circles as Ebony Jonez, has released a new worship single titled What God Cannot Do (When We Pray).

The song was released worldwide on March 8 and is already being shared across digital platforms by listeners within and outside Nigeria.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Ebony Jonez said the project came from moments of reflection on prayer and the waiting period many people experience after praying.

“This project is more than music to me; it is a movement,” he said. “We wanted to create something that doesn’t just sound beautiful, but anchors a soul in the middle of a storm.”

According to him, the song speaks to people who may be dealing with uncertainty and searching for reassurance.

“In a world facing so much uncertainty, we are reminding people that what God cannot do truly does not exist when we pray,” he said.

The worship leader explained that the message of the song centres on faith during difficult moments.
“There are seasons when people pray and the answers don’t come immediately,” he said. “But those moments do not mean God is absent. Sometimes it is in the waiting that faith becomes stronger.”

The track begins with a reflective tone before moving into a stronger choral section that emphasises prayer and surrender. Ebony Jonez said this musical progression was intentional.

“We wanted the sound to follow the emotional journey of prayer,” he said. “Many people start with questions, but as they continue praying, hope returns.”

The singer said the song was recorded with the intention of connecting with people across different cultures and backgrounds.

“Our prayer is that the message will travel beyond one country,” he said. “Faith is something that unites people everywhere.”

Ebony Jonez, who is currently based in Switzerland, has been involved in ministry activities in different parts of the world. He has served in churches and missions across Africa, Europe and the United States.
He is also affiliated with Youth With A Mission (YWAM), an international Christian organisation focused on global outreach and missions.

Reflecting on his journey, he said music has always been one of the ways he communicates his faith.
“Music has a way of reaching people even when sermons cannot,” he said. “Sometimes a song can stay with someone during the week and remind them that they are not alone.”

He added that many of the songs he writes are influenced by personal experiences and the stories he hears while travelling for ministry.

“When you meet people from different countries, you realise that many struggles are the same,” he said. “People are looking for hope, peace and direction.”

Aside from music and ministry, Ebony Jonez is also involved in business and technology ventures. He founded two technology startups and said he sees creativity, faith and innovation as areas that can work together.

“For me, these areas are connected,” he said. “Faith shapes values, creativity communicates ideas, and technology helps those ideas reach the world.”

The music minister studied at the University of the Nations in Kona, Hawaii. He also received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Renaissance Bible College and Seminary in Abuja in recognition of his involvement in missions.

Speaking about his hopes for the new song, Ebony Jonez said he would like to see it used by churches and worship communities in different parts of the world.

“Our desire is simple,” he said. “If someone listens to the song and finds the strength to pray again, then the purpose has already been fulfilled.”

He added that the song may later be translated into other languages if listeners from different countries request it.

“Faith is not limited by language,” he said. “When people pray, they are all speaking to the same God.”
The song is currently available on streaming platforms, where listeners can access it alongside other releases from the artist.

Ebony Jonez said he plans to continue releasing music that reflects life experiences and encourages people in their faith journey.

“There will always be challenges in life,” he said. “But prayer gives people the courage to keep going.”