Rema Acknowledges D’banj’s Pioneering Role in Afrobeats’ UK Success.

Divine Ikubor, the Nigerian music sensation known as Rema, recently lauded D’banj, a veteran figure in the Afrobeats scene, for his instrumental contributions to the genre’s global ascent, particularly within the United Kingdom. This acknowledgment occurred during Rema’s sold-out performance at London’s prestigious 02 Arena on Sunday.

Rema emphasized the significance of D’banj’s 2012 hit, “Oliver Twist,” which achieved a historic milestone as the first Nigerian track to break into the top 10 of the UK official chart. This achievement, according to Rema, effectively paved the way for subsequent Afrobeats artists to gain recognition and chart success in the UK market.

Inviting D’banj onto the stage, Rema articulated that D’banj’s crossover success in the UK was a fundamental precursor to his own accomplishments as an Afrobeats artist in the region. He specifically credited D’banj with unlocking opportunities for Afrobeats artists in the United Kingdom.

“First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors,” Rema stated. “We [the new generational artists] do not do it alone.” He further acknowledged D’banj and Don Jazzy’s collaborative efforts in establishing a strong foundation for Afrobeats in the UK, expressing deep gratitude for their pioneering work. “You were one of the first ones to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down. Y’all open that door,” Rema continued.

Rema concluded his heartfelt tribute by stating, “I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed,” underscoring the profound impact of D’banj’s legacy on the current generation of Afrobeats artists. This public acknowledgment serves as a testament to the enduring influence of D’banj’s contributions to the globalization of Afrobeats music.