Nigerian music sensation Rema recently took to the stage at London’s prestigious O2 Arena, bringing with him a surprise guest and Afrobeats legend, D’banj.
In a heartfelt moment, Rema publicly honored D’banj for his groundbreaking contributions to the global rise of Afrobeats. The crowd erupted in applause as Rema invited D’banj on stage, celebrating the veteran artist’s pivotal role in pushing Afrobeats beyond African shores, particularly to the UK audience.
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Rema specifically acknowledged D’banj’s 2012 hit single “Oliver Twist,” which made history by becoming the first Nigerian song to break into the UK’s official top 10 chart.
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”You were one of the first ones to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down. Y’all opened that door,” Rema said, his voice filled with emotion.
The tribute continued with Rema expressing his gratitude, saying, “I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”
In a fitting gesture, D’banj presented Rema with The O2’s commemorative plaque for headlining the prestigious arena for the second time in his career, further solidifying Rema’s growing influence on the global stage.