Rebekah Dawn is a US born, Kenyan gospel musician, widely known for her signature classical gospel songs. Her most notable works include ‘Kutembea Nawe’, ‘Even Here’, ‘Hatua kwa Hatua’, and ‘Oh My Soul’.
Her soulful and uplifting messages resonate deeply with listeners. Take Kutembea Nawe, for instance, a heartfelt prayer for God’s guidance. This timeless anthem has become a staple in Kenyan churches and is cherished in countless christian homes.
Alongside Allan, Rebekah has gained acclaim for her covers and renditions of popular songs, such as their Swahili version of The Blessing. By reimagining this song in Swahili, they’ve reached audiences in marginalized areas, ensuring the music’s powerful message touches even more lives.
Quick facts on Rebekah Dawn
| Full Name | Rebekah Dawn Gituthu |
| Former Name | Rebekah Dawn Matheny |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Allan Sucre |
| Home County | Nairobi |
| Alma Matter | Hillsong College |
| Profession | Singer/songwriter, music producer, creative arts director, and worship leader. |
Early Childhood
Born in Centerville, Mississippi, Rebekah Dawn Gituthu is an exceptional woman who wears many hats. Atop her musical gift, she serves as a worship leader and creative arts director at Nairobi Lighthouse Church. Shortly after her birth, her parents relocated her to Kenya where she has since grown up.
A third generation member of her family to reside in Kenya, their journey dates back to 1969 when her grandfather (her father’s father) moved to Nairobi as missionaries. Her father consequently moved to Kenya when he was 16 to join the ministry where he met Rebekah’s mother and the rest is history.
Her grandmother and father would later plant Nairobi Lighthouse Church in 1987 where Rebekah has served for over 20 years. Rebekah comes from a family 8 which is made up of her parents, 4 sisters and one adopted brother.
Education
She studied at Rosslyn Academy from kindergarten to the fifth grade before her parents decided to homeschool them so that they would still get to participate in church activities like most Kenyan children during the school holidays. However, for their senior year of highschool, their parents made the decision to send them back to the US, where she lived for 10 months, so that they would choose for themselves where they’d live afterwards.
In 2003, after completing her secondary school education she returned to Kenya where she lived for a year before pursuing her vision for teaching worship. Rebekah joined Hillsong College in Sydney Australia to study music ministry. Shortly after, she joined their church, Nairobi Lighthouse church as a staff member in 2005 and has served in various capacities since then.
Musical Journey
Rebekah’s earliest memory of her singing was when she was 5. Her parents were worship leaders at their church with her father playing the guitar and the mother playing the piano. It was her mother who put her onto the piano and even bought her a keyboard to practise on. At 13, she joined her church youth band as a pianist.
She recorded songs and uploaded them on her sound cloud although she gained prominence after ‘Kutembea Nawe’ gained traction online. Moreover, she produced songs for Bethu & The Highest Praise Band from as early as 2007 which only adds to her track record of excellence.
Marriage
Rebekah Dawn wed Allan Gituthu alias Allan Sucre on 29th December 2015 having met in 2013 and being introduced by a mutual friend. After previous failed relationships, Rebekah met Allan, with whom they worked together on a project and developed a good friendship before courtship. It was during their courtship that Rebekah wrote ‘Kutembea Nawe’ which was a plight for God to take control of everything because she had tried it her way and failed before. Despite their wedded bliss, they have publicly shared their struggle with infertility but have braced it all to encourage every couple that is awaiting their miracle as well.
Discography
Believe it or not, Rebekah started recording her debut album ‘This Chosen Race’ back in 2006-2007 and by 2009, the album was done and ready for launch but she did not launch it until last year. Why?
The album, reflective of her journey and walk with God, did not accurately reflect her life at the time.
‘I was living compromised. What I was saying was not how I was living. What I was saying was true and right and Godly and the scripture but how I was living was not in line with that.’
-Rebekah Dawn
She went on to take a creative break to work on her walk with God which meant she had to pause her album launch.
Fast forward to the launch in 2023, ‘This Chosen Race’ has gone on to feature her hit songs ‘Kutembea Nawe’, ‘Even Here’, ‘Hatua kwa Hatua’(Step by Step), and ‘Oh My Soul’. Through her music, she continues to be a beacon of hope and authenticity that resonate with audiences worldwide.
Awards and Recognition
An acclaimed gospel singer, Rebekah has gained significant recognition for her music and contribution to the gospel industry. In 2017, for example, she was nominated for the ‘Best Artist’ category at the Diaspora Entertainment Awards and Recognition(DEAR Awards) and ‘Song of the Year’ at the Groove Awards.
Her song, ‘Even Here’, featuring her husband Allan, was in 2019 nominated for the ‘Praise and Worship Song of the Year’ at the Groove Awards affirming her substantial impact in the gospel community.
Beyond music, Rebekah’s dedication to ministry has also been acknowledged. In 2021, Rebekah received an honorary accolade at the Impact Gospel Awards celebrating her unwavering commitment to the gospel music scene and her service in ministry.