By Tahav Agerzua 

Yesterday marks the first anniversary of the passing of Christian music legend, Israel Ikyereve, popularly called New Jerusalem. 

He passed on Saturday, 7th June, 2025 at the age of 53 years.

His accomplishments include turning the sensual secular Tiv Swange music and dance into sacred praise and worship renditions.

The self-confessed armed robber who became a global gospel minister fostered unprecedented Christian acceptance across denominations with his music which was appreciated everywhere.

Although his compositions were multilingual, the bulk remains in Tiv, his mother tongue.

Born on Christmas Day in 1971 in Katsina-Ala local government area of Benue State, Ikyereve had an encounter with Jesus Christ that changed his life on 16th March, 1995.

He came under the discipleship of the Reverend Thomas Fwatsanu for five years in Jalingo, Taraba  State, before release to commence his music ministry in Benue State.

His music career was complemented tremendously by his wife, Deborah, a composer, performer and editor, as well as his father-in-law, Evangelist John Igyo Begha, a renowned trumpeter.

Israel is survived by his mother, wife Deborah, five children, relatives including Ior Ikyereve, Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor of Benue State, and 12 albums.