Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has eulogised music sensation Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema.
In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, he stated that nobody knew Rema, who was one of the backstage acts at his inauguration in 2016, would achieve a global sensation status in 2024. He expressed delight at how the Edo-born music icon will be performing at the end of his administration in the next two months as a global superstar.
Using Rema as a case study, the Governor expressed hope that in the years to come, Edo indigenes would be making the country proud.
“Only few could have imagined that @heisrema, who was one of the backstage acts at my inauguration in 2016, would achieve global sensation status by 2024.
Or that Edo Queens, who joined our women’s football league barely three years ago, would go on to conquer West Africa and be poised for African dominance. But these are just a few anecdotes of the resurgence of the great Edo nation.
I am deeply grateful to all the distinguished guests and citizens who took the time to grace the banquet celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the creation of Edo State. Together, we have worked diligently to reset our dear state on the path of greatness.
By the grace of God, by November, I will hand over the baton of administration to a team player who will continue the race of governance and maintain the upward trajectory we have started”.
Kemi Filani reported On Tuesday that Rema had arrived in his hometown of Benin, Edo State, for his homecoming concert at the Ogbe stadium. The Afrobeat singer had visited the Oba of Benin City, where he was warmly received. In viral photos, Rema was captured with the Edo monarch as he sang one of his hit songs, ‘Calm Down’ to him. To appreciate him for his visit, the Oba of Benin gifted him a medal, which many stated he deserved.
Rema had also met with Governor Obaseki, who promised to name the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena, which he is currently building, after him. The Governor made this announcement at the ceremony of the project in Benin City, which Rema attended and had laid the first block.
Over the years, Rema has made a mark in the music industry. The singer made history last year with his performance at the Ballon d’Or award. The Afrobeat singer stole the spotlight with his show-stopping performance as he thrilled guests with a beautiful rendition of his chart-topping song, ‘Calm Down’. His performance at Ballon D’or became a historic win for Nigeria, as the singer is the first Afrobeat artist to perform at the award ceremony.
Regarding his influence in the music industry, Rema stated that no one can deny that he had impacted Afrobeats globally. The Mavins singer couldn’t be wrong as the singer had put Nigerian on a big map. From performing in India to his top charting songs and making history as the first artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or award.
In January, while visiting billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, Rema had assured him of bringing home the Grammys. Rema had also gifted him an exclusive album copy and his Merch (Air Rema) and expressed gratitude for his tremendous impact and support in the music industry.
