Emmanuel Benjamin (born 9 September 1979), known professionally as Eben is a

Nigerian Nigerians or the Nigerian people are citizens of Nigeria or people with ancestry from Nigeria. The name Nigeria was taken from the Niger River running through the country. This name was allegedly coined in the late 19th century by British jour ...

gospel singer, vocalist, and songwriter.

Early life and education

Eben was born and raised in

Lagos Lagos (Nigerian English: ; ) is the largest city in Nigeria and the List of cities in Africa by population, second most populous city in Africa, with a population of 15.4 million as of 2015 within the city proper. Lagos was the national ca ...

Nigeria Nigeria ( ), , ig, Naìjíríyà, yo, Nàìjíríà, pcm, Naijá , ff, Naajeeriya, kcg, Naijeriya officially the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is a country in West Africa. It is situated between the Sahel to the north and the Gulf o ...

, the fifth of six children. He is from a Christian family and attended Orile Primary School, and Community Grammar School, Orile, Lagos.

Career

In 1997, Eben started his singing career and was mentored by his elder brother as a rapper but he later discovered his talent in singing and became a gospel singer. In 2005, as a gospel singer, Eben became popular after his first big public appearance, at a youth conference organized by Pastor Chris where "Imarama" was first heard. In 2006, Eben was a member of Christ Embassy founded by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. In 2007, Eben released his first album, "On the Rock", which includes songs like “Imaranma”, ”God Dey”, ”Iwo Nikan”, "I Don Hammer", and other tracks. In 2010, he released a follow-up album, “Phenomenon”, which included songs like "Supper Man", "Imele Papa", "Siya Nma" and several other tracks. In 2013, Eben released another album titled “Justified”, which included songs like “You Alone Are Worthy”, "Onye Nwem", "How I Love You", "For Ever" and "All The Way". Eben also has a record label called Hammer House of Rock, with a business arm called the Hammer House Ventures, which specializes in video and music production, event management and interior decoration. And also another album titled "Magnified", with songs like “Stayed On You”, "Everything", "Idi Nma", "Lifted Hands" and other worship songs. Eben went viral after he released a song titled “Victory”. On 15 September 2019, Eben host a life concert called Joyful Noise 2019 which featured top gospel musicians and also popular American musicians Bob Fitts and

Phil Thompson Philip Bernard Thompson (born 21 January 1954) is an English retired footballer, who played as a defender for Liverpool team of the 1970s and 1980s. During this time, he also represented the England national football team on 42 occasions, and ...

Discography

Studio albums

* On the Rock (2007) * Phenomenon (2010) * Justified (2013) * Victory (2017) * Magnified

Awards and nominations

* In 2012, he won the PBO Musical Video Awards * ‘Best Male Artiste’ Africa gospel Music Awards UK * Best Male Artiste at the National Gospel Awards Nigeria * Best Gospel Video Award at the Nigerian Music Awards * Best Gospel Video ‘NMVA’ * In the year 2013, he won the Best West Africa award at the Africa Gospel Music Awards * in 2014, he won the Album of the Year at the Crystal Awards *Male Vocalist of the year at the LIMA AWARDS (2020) * Songwriter of the Year at the LIMA AWARDS (2020)

Personal life

On 30 November 2013, Eben married

Jahdiel Grace Jahdiel Benjamin (maiden name 'Okoduwa') popularly known by her stage name Jahdiel, is a contemporary Nigerian gospel singer, songwriter and vocalist. She professionally began her music career in 2006, releasing her debut album ''Heritage ...

(Grace Okoduwa), his fellow gospel singer, with whom he has three children. In December 2013, Eben and

had a white wedding and was joined in holy matrimony by Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy. They are blessed with 2 children.

References

{{authority control Living people Nigerian male singer-songwriters Nigerian singer-songwriters Nigerian gospel singers People from Lagos State by occupation 1979 births