Afrobeats sensation Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, made headlines recently for his generous donation of N105 million to a Christ Embassy church located in Benin, Edo State. This significant contribution was announced during a Sunday service, where Rema expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the church for its unwavering support and guidance throughout his life and career.
In a video that quickly went viral, Rema shared his motivations for the donation, stating, “I’m not here to give myself any accolades or glory. I’m here to give God the glory. I feel like it is important to give back because the church has embraced, prayed for me, and has kept me very consistent with my spirit.” His words resonated with many, highlighting the deep connection he feels towards the church that played a pivotal role in his upbringing.
During the service, Rema outlined his specific pledges: he promised N40 million for the church’s infrastructure, N20 million to the Rhapsody of Realities program, and N25 million dedicated to enhancing the facilities of the teens church, reflecting his commitment to the younger generation. Additionally, he announced a pledge of N20 million to support widows within the church community. This outpouring of generosity not only illustrates Rema’s gratitude but also showcases his desire to uplift others in need.
Rema also took a moment to reflect on his past and the role the church played in supporting his family during a particularly challenging time after the death of his father. He shared, “When I was eight years old, I lost my dad, and we felt very lost and abandoned. All that we had was taken from us, and we felt very alone. I remember how Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church, opened a shop for my mum, which allowed her to care for us during those difficult times.”
As Rema returned to his hometown of Benin for a highly anticipated homecoming concert, his presence attracted significant attention. Notably, renowned music producer Collins Michael, also known as Don Jazzy, and the Mavin crew were seen in Benin to show their support. The local community and fans were thrilled to see Rema, who was honored by the Oba of Benin at the palace, where he received a royal plaque acknowledging his achievements.
Through his charitable actions and reflections on his past, Rema not only reinforces his status as a leading figure in Afrobeats but also as a compassionate individual who understands the importance of giving back to the community that nurtured him.