Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Afrobeats legend D’banj during his electrifying sold-out concert at London’s iconic O2 Arena on Sunday.
The young star paused his performance to bring the veteran artist on stage, acknowledging D’banj’s pivotal role in elevating Afrobeats to international acclaim, particularly in the United Kingdom.
Rema, a leading figure in the new wave of Afrobeats artists, credited D’banj’s 2012 hit Oliver Twist as a groundbreaking moment for the genre. The track, produced under D’banj’s Mo’Hits Records in collaboration with Don Jazzy, became the first Nigerian song to break into the top 10 on the UK Official Singles Chart, peaking at number nine.
This milestone shattered barriers, introducing Afrobeats to a global audience and paving the way for the genre’s subsequent dominance on international stages.
“First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors,” Rema said, addressing D’banj in front of a roaring crowd of 20,000 fans. “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. You all opened that door. I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you had never existed, I would have never existed.”
The emotional moment underscored the intergenerational bond within Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, highlighting how D’banj’s trailblazing efforts laid the foundation for artists like Rema to thrive.
D’banj, born Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, emerged in the early 2000s as a charismatic showman whose fusion of Afrobeat rhythms, pop sensibilities, and global influences helped redefine African music for a worldwide audience.
His collaboration with Don Jazzy, a legendary producer and co-founder of Mo’Hits Records, produced hits like Oliver Twist, Why Me, and Tongolo, which resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Rema’s acknowledgment comes at a time when Afrobeats continues to dominate global charts, with artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido achieving unprecedented success.
The genre’s rise has been marked by sold-out international tours, Grammy wins, and collaborations with global superstars. Yet, Rema’s gesture serves as a reminder of the pioneers who fought for recognition in an era when African music was less embraced by Western markets.
D’banj, visibly moved by the tribute, shared the stage with Rema, symbolizing a passing of the torch between generations. The O2 Arena, a venue synonymous with global music milestones, has become a significant stage for Afrobeats artists, with Rema’s sold-out show following in the footsteps of predecessors like Wizkid and Davido, who also headlined the arena.
The concert itself was a celebration of Rema’s meteoric rise, featuring hits like Calm Down, Dumebi, and Soundgasm. His performance, marked by high-energy choreography and a vibrant stage setup, captivated the diverse audience, many of whom waved Nigerian flags in pride.
By inviting D’banj on stage, Rema not only honored a mentor but also highlighted the collective effort behind Afrobeats’ global takeover.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
In a powerful tribute at his sold-out O2 Arena concert, Rema honored D’banj for his pioneering role in globalizing Afrobeats, particularly through his 2012 hit Oliver Twist, the first Nigerian song to reach the UK top 10.
