Nigerian music sensation Rema, born Divine Ikubor, took a powerful moment during his sold-out concert at London’s O2 Arena on Sunday, June 9, 2025, to honor one of the trailblazers of Afrobeats — the iconic entertainer D’banj — for laying the foundation for the genre’s international breakthrough.
In an emotional tribute, Rema credited D’banj with helping to open global doors for Nigerian artists, particularly in the United Kingdom, through his chart-smashing hit Oliver Twist which shook the British music scene in 2012.
“First of all, I want to appreciate you for opening the doors. We [the new generational artists] did not do it alone,” Rema said while bringing the veteran star on stage to a roaring crowd.
“You were one of the first ones to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down. Y’all opened that door.”
With the 20,000-capacity arena illuminated by phone flashlights and the cheers of fans, the Mavin Records and Jonzing World artist continued his heartfelt tribute:
“I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”
The audience erupted into applause as the two Nigerian stars embraced on stage, sharing a symbolic moment that transcended generations of Afrobeats artistry. The atmosphere inside the O2 was electric as fans witnessed the powerful intersection of legacy and the future of African music.
A Tribute to the Past, A Nod to the Future
Rema’s acknowledgment of D’banj — full name Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo — was not just a show of gratitude but a bold reminder of the often-overlooked pioneers of the Afrobeats movement.
D’banj’s hit single Oliver Twist, produced by Don Jazzy, achieved a UK Top 10 chart position in 2012, making history as one of the first Afrobeats tracks to cross into mainstream Western markets. The song peaked at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart and enjoyed significant airplay on British radio and television.
At a time when African artists were struggling for visibility on global platforms, D’banj’s breakthrough signaled a shift — creating space for younger acts like Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and eventually Rema, to flourish on the international stage.
“That moment was bigger than me, it was about Africa,” D’banj had said in a past interview, reflecting on Oliver Twist’s impact. “I knew we were onto something the world had never seen before.”
Rema’s Monumental Night at the O2
The concert at the O2 Arena was a milestone for Rema, who in just a few years has become one of the leading voices of the Afrobeats to the World movement. Known for hits like Calm Down, Bounce, and Soundgasm, the Benin-born artist has quickly carved a global presence, topping charts and collaborating with international stars such as Selena Gomez.
Sunday’s performance was not just a musical show — it was a celebration of culture, growth, and intergenerational excellence. Beyond the music, Rema used his platform to pay respect to those who paved the way.
In addition to D’banj, the night featured visual tributes to legendary Nigerian music figures and stylized performances that blended Afrobeat rhythms, futuristic visuals, and high-energy choreography.
Social media was abuzz after the concert, with fans praising Rema’s humility and deep respect for the genre’s pioneers.
“Rema really brought out D’banj and gave him his flowers. That’s how you honor legends while they’re still here,” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
Industry Reactions
Music industry insiders have applauded Rema’s tribute as a much-needed spotlight on Afrobeats’ roots. A&R executive and music journalist Tola Odunsi noted that young artists recognizing their predecessors is crucial to the genre’s longevity.
“You can’t talk about Afrobeats without mentioning D’banj. What Rema did was important — he reminded the world where this started, and that’s how culture is preserved,” Odunsi said in a post-show interview.
Veteran music promoter Ayo Animashaun also shared his thoughts:
“Oliver Twist was not just a hit, it was a movement. That song broke down barriers, and it’s great to see today’s superstars like Rema carrying that torch with integrity.”
Don Jazzy’s Influence Also Acknowledged
Rema didn’t forget to include Don Jazzy, the influential producer and co-founder of Mo’ Hits Records, in his tribute. Don Jazzy was instrumental in crafting the sound that brought D’banj to prominence and laid the groundwork for today’s Afrobeats movement.
“You and Don Jazzy held it down,” Rema said on stage. “Y’all opened that door.”
Don Jazzy, who has mentored some of today’s biggest Afrobeats stars under his Mavin Records label — including Rema, Ayra Starr, and Crayon — responded on Instagram with a repost of the video, captioning it:
“Legacy. Thank you, Rema. This moment means a lot.”
The Legacy of Oliver Twist
More than a decade after its release, Oliver Twist remains a pivotal record in Afrobeats history. It showcased not just the vibrancy of Nigerian music but also the potential for African sounds to dominate global charts. The success of the track helped secure D’banj a brief signing with Kanye West’s GOOD Music, further propelling the genre onto international stages.
Today, Afrobeats is a multi-billion-dollar industry with a presence at the Grammys, Billboard charts, and global music festivals. Artists like Rema are now headlining sold-out shows in Europe, the U.S., and beyond — a testament to how far the movement has come.
Closing the Circle
In honoring D’banj, Rema symbolically closed the circle between the past and the present. The tribute wasn’t just a nostalgic nod but a powerful statement: Afrobeats is thriving because its roots run deep.
The moment served as a reminder that while the sound may evolve and new stars may rise, the journey began with visionaries who dared to dream beyond borders.
