Fast-rising Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, embarked on his inaugural visit to his hometown of Benin City after an absence of six years.
The homecoming marked a significant milestone for the talented artist, who left the ancient city in pursuit of greater opportunities.
A viral video that surfaced online on Thursday, March 28, 2024, captured the remarkable homecoming journey of the Mavin artist. Rema was accompanied by fellow indigenous entertainers from his state, including Shallipopi and singer Davido’s aide, Israel DMW.
The footage depicted the group of men walking down the plane aisle, with Rema, the acclaimed Calm Down hitmaker, leading the procession and eagerly interacting with fellow passengers.
Another heartwarming moment unfolded as a cultural dance troupe welcomed Rema with open arms upon his arrival at the airport, showcasing the rich heritage and warm hospitality of Benin City.
Rema’s rise to prominence in the music industry began with the release of his breakout single Dumebi in 2019. Prior to this, he had already secured a record deal with D’Prince’s record company, Jonzing World, and had established ties with Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.
His 2022 single Calm Down garnered international attention, particularly with its remix featuring American pop star, Selena Gomez. The remix soared to number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated the United States Afrobeats Songs chart for an unprecedented 58 weeks.
Having relocated to Lagos in 2019 to pursue his musical aspirations, Rema’s long-awaited return to his roots in Benin City in 2024 signifies a poignant moment of reconnecting with his origins and celebrating his journey from humble beginnings to global acclaim.
