Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has drawn widespread attention after making an unannounced return to his childhood neighbourhood in Benin City, Edo State, where he spent time with old friends and later attended church alongside his mother.

In a series of clips shared across social media platforms, the Calm Down hitmaker was seen walking through familiar streets, surrounded by residents who rushed out to welcome him. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as people called out his birth name, Divine, a reminder of the boy he once was before global fame.

Many in the crowd stretched out their hands to touch him, some filming on their phones, others simply trying to get close enough to greet him. Voices rose above the noise, chanting, Divine, we love you so much, as neighbours and childhood acquaintances celebrated one of their own who had gone on to achieve international success yet returned to the same community that shaped him.

The visit offered a rare glimpse of the superstar away from the stage lights and global tours, moving with ease among people who knew him long before the charts and awards. There were no barriers or security cordons in the clips, only a tight ring of supporters and friends who appeared eager to reconnect with the artist they still see as the boy from Benin.

Rema’s homecoming did not stop at the streets. Another video showed him in church with his mother, seated quietly among the congregation. The moment underscored the strong family and spiritual roots that have often been referenced in conversations about his upbringing and early struggles.

During the service, the presiding pastor paused to acknowledge the singer and his mother, expressing gratitude to her for the role she played in raising him. Addressing her before the congregation, the pastor thanked her for being a part of the church community and for nurturing the young man who has now become a global figure.

The pastor went on to compliment Rema directly, remarking on his appearance and presence in person. The exchange drew smiles and murmurs from the congregation, many of whom appeared delighted to see a world-famous artist sitting in the pews like any other worshipper.

For observers, the scenes from Benin highlighted a side of Rema that is often overshadowed by his celebrity status: a young man still deeply connected to his origins, his faith, and his family. The videos captured him not as a distant star, but as Divine Ikubor, the son, neighbour, and church member returning to familiar ground.

Rema’s journey from Benin to global stages has been widely documented. Raised in modest circumstances, he has spoken in past interviews about losing his father and brother at a young age and the weight of responsibility that fell on him early in life. His discovery and eventual signing to Mavin Records and Jonzing World marked the beginning of a rapid ascent that would see him become one of the leading voices of the new Afrobeats generation.

Yet, despite his success, the scenes from his visit suggest that his relationship with his hometown remains intact. The warmth of the reception, the easy banter with old friends, and his quiet presence in church with his mother all point to a deliberate effort to stay grounded.

In the broader context of Nigerian pop culture, such homecomings often carry symbolic weight. For many fans, seeing an artist of Rema’s stature return to the same streets where he grew up serves as both inspiration and validation. It reinforces the idea that global recognition does not have to sever local ties, and that success can coexist with humility and gratitude.

The church appearance, in particular, resonated with many viewers online. In a country where faith and family remain central pillars of social life, the image of a superstar sitting beside his mother in a familiar place of worship struck a chord. It suggested continuity between the boy who once attended services there and the man who now commands global stages.

Social media reactions reflected this sentiment. Many users praised Rema for honouring his roots and his mother, noting that such gestures matter in a culture that places high value on respect for parents and community. Others pointed out how rare it is to see artists at his level of fame move so freely and comfortably among ordinary people in their old neighbourhoods.

The visit also subtly highlighted the role of community in the making of stars. The cheers of Divine, we love you so much were not just expressions of fandom, but of ownership and pride. For the people of his neighbourhood, Rema’s achievements are not only his; they are a shared story of possibility emerging from their own streets.

While the videos focused on the emotional and symbolic aspects of the visit, they also served as a reminder of the distance Rema has travelled in a relatively short time. From recording early freestyles and posting them online to topping charts across continents, his trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Yet, the scenes from Benin suggest that he remains conscious of where it all began.

In an industry often criticised for excess and detachment, Rema’s quiet walk through his old neighbourhood and his time in church with his mother offered a contrasting image: a superstar choosing to step back into the ordinary spaces that formed him. For many watching, that choice spoke as loudly as any hit single.

As the clips continue to circulate online, they add a new chapter to the public narrative of Divine Ikubor. Beyond the streaming numbers and sold-out shows, they present a portrait of an artist who, at least for a day, set aside the trappings of fame to reconnect with his earliest identity: a son, a neighbour, and a member of a local church in Benin.