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The Rave Lord pays emotional tribute to D’banj at London’s O2 Arena to Afrobeats Legacy
At his sold-out concert at London’s O2 Arena, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema delivered an emotional and history-making moment by publicly honouring music legend D’banj for his foundational role in globalizing Afrobeats.
Before thousands of cheering fans, Rema invited D’banj on stage and paid a moving tribute, hailing the veteran artist’s influence on a generation of Nigerian musicians.
He highlighted D’banj’s 2012 hit “Oliver Twist”, which made history as the first Nigerian song to enter the UK Top 10, breaking barriers and introducing Afrobeats to mainstream Western audiences.
“You were one of the first to bring Afrobeats to the UK. You and Don Jazzy held it down… I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed,” Rema said, visibly emotional.
In a symbolic passing of the torch, D’banj presented Rema with The O2’s official commemorative plaque, honouring Rema’s second headline performance at the iconic venue—a testament to his soaring global influence.
The crowd erupted as the two embraced on stage, marking a powerful generational moment for Afrobeats. The tribute acknowledged D’banj’s pioneering achievements and celebrated the unity between Afrobeats trailblazers and the rising stars shaping its future.
"If you never existed, I would have never existed."
– Rema giving D’Banj his flowers at the O2 Arena 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/gi4FrS4anF
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) June 9, 2025
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