At his sold-out concert at London’s iconic O2 Arena, Nigerian music star Rema took a heartfelt moment to honor one of Afrobeats’ trailblazers, D’banj.
In front of a crowd of over 20,000 fans on Sunday night, Rema praised D’banj for being one of the first artists to bring the Afrobeats sound to the UK. Referring to the veteran singer as a pioneer, he credited D’banj for paving the way for his generation of artists.
“You were one of the first to bring Afrobeats to the UK,” Rema said. “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’s 2012 global hit ‘Oliver Twist’ was a major moment in Afrobeats history. The track became the first Nigerian song to break into the top 10 of the UK Official Singles Chart, helping establish the genre’s international appeal and setting the stage for artists like Rema to thrive on the global stage.
Also in attendance was Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy, another foundational figure in Nigerian pop music. Rema expressed his gratitude to both legends, emphasizing that their success helped unlock international opportunities for a new wave of talent.
The emotional tribute drew roaring applause from the crowd, underlining D’banj’s enduring legacy and influence.
Rema’s O2 Arena performance marked another milestone in his meteoric rise, with the singer delivering a vibrant setlist that highlighted hits from his already impressive catalogue. The night was also filled with surprise guests, high-energy visuals, and a sense of gratitude to those who helped shape the Afrobeats movement.
As Afrobeats continues to grow into a global force, Rema’s tribute serves as a powerful reminder of the artists who laid the foundation, and of how far the genre has come.
