Nigerian music star Rema has paid a heartfelt tribute to Afrobeats legend D’banj, acknowledging his pivotal role in paving the way for the global success of Nigerian artists. The emotional moment took place at Rema’s sold-out concert at London’s iconic O2 Arena on Sunday, where he brought D’banj on stage to honor his contributions.
During the special appearance, Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, credited D’banj’s groundbreaking achievements particularly the 2012 hit “Oliver Twist,” which became the first Nigerian song to break into the UK’s official Top 10 chart for opening international doors for the new generation of Afrobeats artists.
Addressing the crowd and D’banj, Rema said,
“First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors. We [the new generational artists] do not do it alone. 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. I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”
D’banj, visibly moved by the tribute, received cheers from the audience, underscoring the intergenerational respect and unity within the Afrobeats community. The moment highlighted the enduring impact of D’banj’s music and his role in shaping the global trajectory of Nigerian sound.
Rema’s acknowledgment not only celebrated D’banj’s legacy but also served as a reminder of the importance of recognizing trailblazers who have made it possible for new talents to thrive on the world stage.