Rema Credits D’banj for Paving the Way: ‘Without You, I Wouldn’t Be Here’
Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, recently showered praise on Afrobeats legend D’banj for his pivotal role in elevating the genre on the global stage, particularly in the UK.
D’banj’s 2012 smash hit ‘Oliver Twist’ was a groundbreaking moment, becoming the first Nigerian track to break into the UK’s official top 10 chart. This milestone opened doors for countless Afrobeats artists to follow suit.
During his sold-out show at London’s iconic O2 Arena on Sunday, Rema invited the veteran superstar on stage and expressed heartfelt gratitude. He acknowledged that without D’banj’s trailblazing success, his own journey as an Afrobeats artist in the UK might not have been possible.
“First off, I want to thank you for opening those doors. We, the new generation, don’t do this alone. You and Don Jazzy held it down and paved the way,” Rema said.
He continued, “I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I wouldn’t exist.”
Rema’s tribute underscores the deep respect and acknowledgment the new wave of Afrobeats artists have for the pioneers who set the stage for their global success.