Eben Biography: Life, Ministry, Net Worth, And Achievements
Eben, born Emmanuel Benjamin on September 9, 1979, is a celebrated Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter, and minister. Over the years, Eben has risen to prominence in the Nigerian and global gospel music scenes, thanks to his unique blend of Afro-pop, hip-hop, and dance-influenced sound. His powerful voice, uplifting lyrics, and devotion to ministry have earned him a significant place among gospel music's most notable figures. This blog post will explore Eben's life, ministry, net worth, and achievements, giving insight into how he has become a major figure in gospel music.
Early Life and Education
Eben was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. His early education began at Orile Primary School, after which he attended Community Grammar School, Orile, Lagos, for his secondary education. He developed a passion for music early on, initially starting as a rapper in 1997. His older brother was instrumental in nurturing his musical interests, guiding him through the early stages of his career. However, Eben later shifted from rapping to gospel music, discovering that his true calling was to use his musical talents to spread the gospel.
Ministry and Career
Eben's musical journey took a significant turn when he became a member of Christ Embassy, the church led by renowned pastor Chris Oyakhilome. In 2006, Eben joined Christ Embassy's ministry, marking a turning point in his career. His first major appearance was at a Youth Conference organized by the church in 2005, where his music resonated with the audience, setting the stage for his future success.
In 2007, Eben released his debut album, On The Rock, which featured some of his earliest hits like "Imaranma." This album established him as a force in the gospel music scene, blending contemporary sounds with deeply spiritual lyrics. His sophomore album, Phenomenon, followed in 2010, solidifying his reputation as one of Nigeria’s top gospel artists.
His subsequent albums, Justified (2013), Victory (2017), and Magnified (2021), further showcased his versatility and depth as an artist. Eben's music is known for its powerful themes of faith, hope, and victory in Christ, and songs like "Victory" and "All The Way" have become anthems in churches across Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to his musical endeavors, Eben is also a music executive. He founded the record label Hammer House of Rock, which focuses on producing gospel music and managing events. His label is a branch of Hammer House Ventures, a multifaceted business that covers areas like event management, video production, and more.
Personal Life
Eben is married to Jahdiel, a fellow gospel singer, and their union has been celebrated within the Christian music community. The couple got married on November 30, 2013, and they have two children together. Jahdiel, like Eben, is an accomplished gospel musician, and the two often collaborate on projects that inspire and uplift their audiences.
Achievements
Eben’s career has been marked by numerous awards and accolades. He has won several prestigious honors, including:
- Best Male Artiste at the Africa Gospel Music Awards (2012)
- Best Gospel Video at the Nigerian Music Video Awards (NMVA)
- Best West Africa Artist at the Africa Gospel Music Awards (2013)
- Album of the Year at the Crystal Awards (2014)
- Male Vocalist of the Year at the LIMA Awards (2020)
- Songwriter of the Year at the LIMA Awards (2020)
One of his most notable achievements was hosting the Joyful Noise concert in 2019, which drew massive crowds and featured international gospel artists like Bob Fitts and Phil Thompson. Eben’s ability to draw such a diverse audience speaks to the global appeal of his music.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Eben's net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. His wealth comes from multiple streams of income, including album sales, live performances, and his business ventures under Hammer House of Rock. Additionally, Eben’s affiliation with Christ Embassy and its global network has opened doors for him to perform at high-profile events and conferences, further boosting his income and influence.
Lessons from Eben’s Life
One of the key takeaways from Eben's life is his unwavering faith and dedication to his calling. Despite starting his career as a secular rapper, Eben found his purpose in gospel music and has never looked back. His story is a testament to the power of following one's spiritual path and trusting in God's plan.
Moreover, Eben’s success in the business side of the music industry through Hammer House of Rock shows that ministry and entrepreneurship can go hand in hand. By leveraging his talents both as an artist and a businessman, Eben has built a brand that goes beyond just music, it’s a platform for global evangelism.
Conclusion
Eben’s journey from a budding rapper to a globally recognized gospel music minister is inspiring. His commitment to using his music as a tool for spreading the gospel, combined with his entrepreneurial mindset, has made him one of the most successful gospel artists in Nigeria today. With a strong ministry, a thriving career, and a family-oriented personal life, Eben continues to impact lives through his music and faith.
His music is not just a source of entertainment but also a vehicle for spiritual upliftment, encouraging people to maintain their faith and trust in God. As he continues to release soul-lifting songs and expand his ministry, Eben’s influence in the gospel music scene is expected to grow even further in the years to come