In a groundbreaking moment at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, the acclaimed Nigerian artist Rema delivered a mesmerizing performance, becoming the first African artist to grace this prestigious stage. Known by his real name, Divine Ikubor, Rema wowed the audience with an unforgettable rendition of his chart-topping hit, “Calm Down,” leaving a lasting impression on football stars like Lionel Messi, Mbappe, Haaland, and Jude Bellingham, who were in attendance.
But Rema’s journey to global recognition didn’t start here. He had already garnered international acclaim when he won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Song for his remix of “Calm Down” with American singer Selena Gomez. This collaboration propelled him to worldwide stardom, and his impact was further highlighted during the Trace Africa Awards in Kigali on October 21. There, he earned recognition in the Global African Artist and Song of the Year categories, once again for “Calm Down.”
Rema’s latest EP, titled ‘Ravage,’ is a testament to his success. Within hours of its release on Friday, October 26, 2023, it charted in over 50 countries, underlining his global appeal and influence.
Born on May 1, 2000, Rema is not just an Afrobeat singer-songwriter but a trailblazer in the music industry. His initial recognition came with the 2019 release of “Dumebi.” He is proudly associated with Jonzig World, a record label owned by Nigerian singer D’Prince and affiliated with Mavin Records. Some of his other hit tracks include “Ginger Me,” “Bounce,” “Charm,” and “Beamer.”
Notably, during the Ballon d’Or event, the rising video creator known as “ishowspeed” was spotted vibing to Rema’s hit track “Calm Down,” further solidifying the artist’s impact and reach in the entertainment world.
