Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, donated 105 million naira (approximately $137,000) to a Christ Embassy church in Benin, Edo State, on Sunday.
The donation was made during a Sunday service where Rema expressed gratitude for the church’s support and guidance. In a video that has since gone viral, Rema stated, “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.”
Rema allocated 40 million naira for church infrastructure, 20 million naira for Rhapsody of Realities, 25 million naira for the teens church infrastructure, and 20 million naira for widows in the church.
The artist revealed how the church supported his family after his father’s death when he was eight years old. He recounted, “When I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned.
All that we had was taken from us and we felt very alone. I remember at the time Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church, they opened a shop for my mum and that was what she managed to take care of us.”
The donation comes as Rema returned to his hometown of Benin for a homecoming concert. He arrived on Tuesday, with music producer Don Jazzy and the Mavin crew also in attendance to show support. Rema reportedly entertained the Oba of Benin at his palace and was presented with a royal plaque ahead of the concert.