“You Were One of the First to Bring Afrobeats to the UK” – Rema Pays Tribute to D’banj at Sold-Out O2 Arena Show

At his sold-out O2 Arena concert in London, Nigerian superstar Rema paid a heartfelt tribute to Afrobeat legend D’banj, acknowledging his pivotal role in bringing the genre to international recognition—particularly in the United Kingdom.

During the electrifying show on Sunday, Rema brought D’banj onstage in a powerful moment of appreciation, crediting the veteran artist for laying the foundation upon which today’s Afrobeats stars stand. He described D’banj as one of the first artists to take the Afrobeat sound beyond Nigeria’s borders and into the UK mainstream.

“You were one of the first to bring Afrobeats to the UK,” Rema declared. “You and Don Jazzy held it down and opened that door. We [the new generation] didn’t do it alone. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”

Rema’s tribute referenced D’banj’s 2012 smash hit Oliver Twist, which became the first Nigerian song to break into the UK Official Singles Chart Top 10—a landmark moment that signaled the genre’s global potential.

The emotional exchange drew loud cheers from the crowd of over 20,000 fans, underscoring the significance of D’banj’s contributions. Rema went further to express his deep admiration, saying, “I love you from the bottom of my heart. I appreciate you for life.”

He also took a moment to acknowledge legendary producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, recognizing him as a key figure in the early success of Afrobeats on the global stage.

The concert featured surprise performances, striking visuals, and a dynamic setlist showcasing Rema’s meteoric rise. But the emotional homage to D’banj stood out as one of the evening’s most memorable highlights—bridging the past and present of a genre that continues to captivate the world.