Gospel music star Eben (Emmanuel Benjamin) joins #WithChude for an honest conversation that peels back the layers of faith, identity, and the quiet tensions that come with choosing to stand apart. Known for his powerful anthems and unapologetic convictions, Eben sits with Chude Jideonwo to speak about the courage it takes to be different, especially in spaces that expect conformity. What unfolds is not a performance, but a reflection: thoughtful, vulnerable, and grounded in a personal understanding of purpose.
In the episode, Eben opens up about the complexities many artists carry but rarely name, the dual personalities demanded by public life and private faith. He speaks about performing in clubs and secular spaces, the reactions that follow, and the judgment he has faced, including moments when his appearance alone became a barrier in church settings. From being told he could not climb the pulpit until he changed how he looked, to navigating misunderstandings around leadership and loyalty within the gospel community, Eben reflects on how these moments shaped his resolve rather than broke it.
At the heart of the conversation is Eben’s clarity about joy, calling, and influence. He shares why he once resisted becoming an artist, what ultimately changed his mind, and how he has refused shortcuts to visibility that compromise his convictions. “God’s dream,” he tells Chude, “is to influence the world with the culture of heaven,” a belief that anchors his choices and fuels his work.
WATCH EPISODE: https://vimeo.com/1148019558
