Nigerian singer Rema took a moment during his sold-out O2 Arena concert in London to pay tribute to Afrobeat legend D’banj, acknowledging his role in taking Afrobeats to the United Kingdom and paving the way for a new generation of Nigerian artists.
Speaking in front of a crowd of over 20,000 fans, Rema credited D’banj and Don Jazzy for opening doors for Nigerian music in the UK, stating that their impact made it possible for young artists like him to thrive internationally.
D’banj’s 2012 hit song ‘Oliver Twist’ was the first Nigerian track to break into the UK official charts, setting the stage for the global rise of Afrobeat music. Rema emotionally expressed his admiration, saying, “If you never existed, I would have never existed.”
The heartfelt tribute drew cheers from the audience, highlighting D’banj’s lasting influence on African music.
