Nigerian singer Iyanya has sparked reactions online after responding to a viral video in which Pastor Usen MJ claimed that God used his hit song “Kukere” to reassure him during a financial crisis.
The pastor recounted how he was facing pressure from his landlord over an outstanding rent demand of ₦36,000, despite believing he had already paid the money through an agent.
According to him, the landlord gave him until the following day to settle the disputed payment or risk eviction.
While praying about the situation on his way home, Pastor Usen said he passed a barber’s shop just as electricity was restored, causing a music player to resume playing Iyanya’s 2012 hit song “Kukere”.
He explained that, as an indigene of Akwa Ibom State, he understood the word “Kukere” to mean “don’t worry” or “don’t think”.
The pastor said the song’s lyrics, particularly its reference to having money, felt relevant to his predicament. He interpreted the unexpected moment as a message from God encouraging him not to panic over his rent.
According to his account, he returned home and resumed worshipping rather than continuing to worry about the payment.
He further claimed that later that night, someone for whom he had previously completed a project visited him and handed him ₦40,000 — enough to cover the disputed rent.
The testimony subsequently circulated on social media, attracting reactions from Nigerians who found the connection between the popular dance track and the pastor’s experience amusing.
Iyanya also joined the conversation, responding to the viral clip with a brief remark: “Who be this one?”
His reaction prompted further jokes from fans, with some playfully referring to the singer as an evangelist and suggesting that Kukere had unexpectedly become part of a testimony.
Others defended the pastor, arguing that people should be allowed to share personal experiences of faith without being ridiculed.
The incident has since generated conversations about faith, personal interpretation and the unexpected ways people sometimes find encouragement during difficult moments.
