Worship in the age of tempo: Jaymz Manuel chooses reverence over spectacle on ‘Ancient of Days’

Nigerian-born, UK-based gospel artiste and worship minister Jaymz Manuel returns with his first offering of 2026, Ancient of Days, a solemn, spiritually immersive record that prioritises reverence over spectacle. 

In an era where contemporary gospel music is increasingly leaning towards upbeat pop production and commercial pacing, the song arrives as a deliberate slowdown, a meditative return to the sobriety and sacredness that once defined congregational worship.

From its opening seconds, Ancient of Days establishes its intention clearly. Jaymz Manuel, born Emmanuel Ifeanyi James, begins not with vocal theatrics or layered instrumentation, but with a simple invocation: “Father, we worship you, King above all, we give you glory, Lord.” The manner is one in which you would commence a worship session, as he immediately draws listeners into an atmosphere of devotion.

The supporting vocalists deepen that atmosphere with sonorous harmonies that carry the weight of the song’s central message. The refrain, which partly reads: “Ancient of Days, Lord of all creation, I worship at your feet”, is delivered with measured intensity, reinforcing the track’s contemplative mood rather than overwhelming it. The result is a piece that values spiritual sincerity over excessive vocal embellishment.

Instrumentally, the song benefits from restrained but effective orchestration. 

The arrangement does not compete with the message. Rather, it serves as a quiet vehicle for reflection. The gentle progression of keys, layered harmonies, and steady instrumental build combine to create what worship music at its best often seeks to achieve, which is an atmosphere capable of lifting listeners into spiritual reflection and communion.

For many who have followed the artiste over the years, there may be an expectation of more vocal dominance from Manuel, but on Ancient of Days, he deliberately floats within the backup harmonies and instrumentation, perhaps careful not to overload the worship session or disrupt the delicateness of the atmosphere he seeks to create.

Jaymz Manuel has consistently built his artistry around heartfelt vocals, scriptural consciousness, and worship-centred songwriting, and Ancient of Days continues that trajectory. Across songs such as Your Presence, You Are Alive, Holy, Most Holy, God’s Not Man, RESTORER, Only You, and Songs Of The Angels, he has steadily developed a catalogue rooted in worship, spiritual reflection, and biblical conviction. 

His collaboration with the renowned, Grammy-winning South African group, Soweto Gospel Choir, is eminently worthy of mention. The collaborative effort, You Are Alive, was released after the pandemic lockdown was eased, sending a message of hope, resilience, and spiritual unity to people globally.

His 2026 four-minute track strengthens an already expansive catalogue while further revealing his growth as a minister and recording artiste.

Beyond its musical qualities, Ancient of Days resonates because it understands the emotional and spiritual function of worship music. Rather than chasing trends, Jaymz Manuel chooses reverence, patience, and scriptural depth. The solemn and spiritual atmosphere of the song suggests that gospel music lovers and enthusiasts alike will jump at it and add to their playlists.

For Manuel, the track consolidates his place as one of the emerging voices committed to preserving the devotional essence of gospel music within an evolving global soundscape.

Track rating: 3.5/5