Emmanuel Iren

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Emmanuel Iren
Birth nameEmmanuel Aniefiok Iren
Born (1989-12-18) December 18, 1989 (age 34)
OriginAkwa Ibom, Nigeria
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • pastor
Instrument(s)Vocals and drums
Years active2008–present
Spouse(s)Laju Iren

Emmanuel Aniefiok Iren (born 18 December 1989) well known as Emmanuel Iren is a Nigerian preacher, gospel singer and songwriter.[1] He is the Founder of Celebration Church International (CCI), headquartered in Lagos, Nigeria.[2][3] In 2018, he debuted his first album Kerygma and in 2022, he released his second album Apostolos:Voice of Transition.[4][5]

Early life and education[edit]

Emmanuel Iren was born on 18 December, 1989 and hails from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. He attained his primary education from Saint Bernadettes Nursery and Primary School in Ipaja, Lagos.[6] From there, he moved to Queen’s Choice Nursery and Primary School College in Ikotun, Lagos and later attended Doregos Private Academy where he acquired his secondary education.[7]

In 2011, he obtained a Bachelor's Degree in Building Technology from Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. He also holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria.[8][9]

Career[edit]

Ministry[edit]

In 2008, Emmanuel Iren started a Christian campus fellowship known as Triumphal Youth Fellowship as an undergraduate student in Covenant University. [10] The fellowship soon grew beyond the campus walls, and into a full-time ministry.[11][12]

On 11 November 2012, the Triumphal Church was opened in Lagos. Two years after, in 2014, it was renamed the Celebration Church International, also known as CCI.[13][14] Presently, the Celebration Church International has over 11,000 members worldwide with 27 branches: across Nigeria,the United Kingdom, Canada and the USA.[15]

Music career[edit]

Emmanuel Iren debuted his first album Kerygma in 2017 with the Outburst Music Group. In 2021, he was featured by Nigerian gospel artiste Odunayo Adebayo in the hit song Zoe.[16]

In August 2022, he announced the release of his debut album Apostolos: Voice of Transition, which comprised 13 tracks including Overcome, In Your Name, Holy Ghost and Glory. The album featured other gospel artistes like Sinach, Nosa and Judikay.[17][18][19] Shortly after its release, the album peaked as one of the top 10 on Apple Music.[20][21]

In preparation of the release of his sophomore album, on April 12, 2024 he released the song "Agalliao" featuring acclaimed gospel music minister Nathaniel Bassey, a joy anthem currently making waves among believers across the globe.

Discography[edit]

Albums[edit]

Year of Release Title Details Ref
2018 Kerygma

(feat Outburst Music Group)

  • Recording Type: Live
  • No. of Tracks: 15
  • Format: Digital Download, Streaming
[22]
2022 Apostolos: (Sounds of Transition)
  • Recording Type: Live
  • No. of Tracks: 13
  • Format: Digital Download, Streaming
[23][24]

Singles[edit]

As lead artist[edit]

  • Grace Changes Everything (feat Sinach)
  • Holy Ghost (feat Sinach)
  • Overcome (feat E-Daniels)
  • Prophetic Chant (feat Nosa)
  • Fire On My Altar
  • Power in Abundance (feat Bajulaye Victor)
  • The Glory (feat Outburst Music Group)
  • Yes To Your Will
  • In Your name (feat Judikay)
  • The Glory of the Lord reveals
  • Agalliao (feat Nathaniel Bassey)

As featured artist[edit]

  • Zoe (Odunayo Adebayo feat Emmanuel Iren)[25]
  • Bo Ta Jor (Prinx Emmanuel feat Emmanuel Iren)[26]
  • Agalliao (Aigbeh Dgong ft Pastor Emmanuel Iren)
  • Ambience (Damilola Praiseworth ft Pastor Emmanuel Iren)

Bibliography[edit]

  • Leading Seeks You[27]
  • Purposefully[28]
  • Am I Being Fooled? FAQs about God, the Bible and Jesus Christ
  • Saving Grace
  • Come To Me Bible Book
  • Pray Book: Strategies for Building a Prayer Life[29]

Personal life[edit]

At age 24, Iren married Laju Iren in November 2014.[30][31][32] They have three daughters and one son.

Recognition[edit]

  • In 2021, he was mentioned in YNaija Magazine among the 100 most influential people in ministry in Nigeria.[3] [33]
  • In 2022, Apostolos was nominated as the album of the year (Kingdom Achievers Awards)[34]
  • In 2023, he was bestowed with an honorary Doctorate Degree from Myles Leadership University.[35]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Akintomide, Marvellous (2023-06-02). "Nigerian Gospel Artists That Should Be On Your Radar". Zikoko!. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  2. ^ "'We must have audacity to embrace vision regardless of culture' says Emmanuel Iren of Celebration Church International". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2020-11-07. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  3. ^ a b Omoleye, Omoruyi. "#YNaijaChurch100: Mercy Chinwo, Banky W, Sam Adeyemi | See the 100 Most Influential People in Christian Ministry in Nigeria". YNaija.
  4. ^ "Emmanuel Iren Features Sinach, Others In Apostolos Album". Independent Newspaper.
  5. ^ Rapheal (2022-10-07). "Pastor Emmanuel Iren's Apostolos makes waves". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  6. ^ admin (2023-02-01). "Biography Of Apostle Emmanuel Iren". Christian Gospel songs - Christian ebooks | Christiandiet. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  7. ^ Man, The New. "Biography of Apostle Emmanuel Iren". The New Man. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  8. ^ "Meet The Convenant University Graduate Who Is The Lead Pastor Of Churches In Nigeria And Canada |". 2020-11-05. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  9. ^ nairadiary (2022-10-28). "Get To Know Pastor Emmanuel Iren Of The Celebration Church". Naira Diary. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  10. ^ Solomon, Elusoji. "Emmanuel Iren Is Leading A Generation To Faith". Channels Television.
  11. ^ "Celebration Church celebrates 10 years, releases documentary". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-11-16. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  12. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (2023-05-25). "Paul Adefarasin, Emmanuel Iren, BJ Idowu: Meet 7 most stylish, best-dressed Nigerian pastors". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  13. ^ Adedeji, Olamipo (2021-01-19). "Emmanuel Iren: The New Face of Nigerian Charismatic Movement". Daily Trust. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  14. ^ "Shuzia Blog". blog.shuzia.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  15. ^ "Celebration Church celebrates 10 years, releases documentary". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-11-16. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  16. ^ "Odunayo Adebayo Ft. Pastor Iren - ZOE (The Life of Christ) Mp3 Download & Lyrics | NgHype". nghype.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  17. ^ "Emmanuel Iren Set to Release Apostolos Album, Features Sinach, Judikay and others – THISDAYLIVE". www.thisdaylive.com. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  18. ^ "Emmanuel Iren drops apostolos album today". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-08-06. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  19. ^ admin (2022-08-10). "Pastor Emmanuel Iren's Debut Album "Apostolos"". The Street Journal. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  20. ^ Nigeria, Guardian (2022-10-01). "Iren's Apostolos debuts on Apple Music's Top 10". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 2023-05-25.
  21. ^ Faith, Adeoye (2022-10-01). "Apostolos becomes first Christian album to hit top 10 chart since 2021". Tribune Online. Retrieved 2023-05-26.
  22. ^ Akindele, Bolu (2018-01-17). "[The Church Blog] Introducing Kerygma: The new sound of Lyrical Theology » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  23. ^ Mix, Pulse (2022-08-08). "Pastor Emmanuel Iren releases his debut album 'Apostolos'". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  24. ^ "Listen To Pastor Emmanuel Iren's Debut Album "Apostolos"". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-08-10. Archived from the original on 2023-05-15. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  25. ^ Desk, NaijaMusic (2022-08-05). "Odunayo Adebayo ft Pastor Iren - Zoe". NaijaMusic. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  26. ^ S9, The Boss (2023-05-23). "Prinx Emmanuel – Bo Ta Joor Ft. Pastor Emmanuel Iren". Six9ja. Retrieved 2023-06-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  27. ^ "Leading Seeks You". Goodreads. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  28. ^ "Emmanuel Iren Books. Amazon.com". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2023-05-16.
  29. ^ "Pray Book: Biblical Strategy for Building a Prayer Life". Amazon. Retrieved 2024-03-26.
  30. ^ Rapheal (2020-11-13). "Why I married early at 24 –Emmanuel Iren, songwriter/cleric". The Sun Nigeria. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  31. ^ "My experience in my Marriage of two years-Laju Iren". 2016-11-01. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  32. ^ "Marriage and ministry - building a vision with someone who believes in it". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 2022-04-04. Retrieved 2023-05-15.
  33. ^ Okafor, Chinedu (2021-04-05). "#YNaijaChurch100: Bishop Kukah, Sinach, Street Church...Here are the 100 Most Influential Nigerians in Church » YNaija". YNaija. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  34. ^ "Full List Of The Kingdom Achievers Award Nominees". Kingdomboiz. 2022-11-17. Retrieved 2023-06-10.
  35. ^ Dekolo, Jolomi (2023-10-11). "Pastor Emmanuel Iren Receives Honorary Doctorate Degree From Myles Leadership University". SelahAfrik. Retrieved 2024-03-25.