LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)-Afrobeats sensation Rema sent waves of excitement through Benin City on Sunday after unexpectedly returning to the neighbourhood where his journey began, offering fans a rare glimpse into his roots and a deeply personal moment away from the global spotlight.
The award-winning singer, born Divine Ikubor, was spotted walking through the area he grew up in, warmly reconnecting with childhood friends and longtime neighbours.
Videos that quickly circulated on X captured the spontaneous outpouring of love, with residents pouring into the streets and chanting, “Divine, we love you!” as they welcomed one of their own back home.
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Beyond the street-side celebrations, the visit carried a quieter emotional weight. Rema attended church alongside his mother, drawing special recognition during the service.
The presiding pastor paused to acknowledge both mother and son, praising her influence on the artiste’s upbringing while commending Rema’s humility despite his international success. With subtle admiration, the pastor complimented Rema’s appearance, noting that photographs did not fully capture his good looks.
“Thank you for being part of this church and for raising this young man,” the pastor said, addressing Rema’s mother. Turning to the singer, he added, “You look handsome physically, more than in pictures. Thank you for being a part of this church. God bless you.”
The appearance offered a powerful contrast to Rema’s high-octane performances on global stages, highlighting the grounding role of family, faith and community in his rise.
For many in Benin City, the surprise visit reinforced Rema’s image as an artiste who remains closely connected to his roots while continuing to represent Nigerian music on the world stage.
