"If you never existed, I wouldn’t have existed" - REMA lauds Veteran musician D’BANJ at London show

Monday, June 9, 2025 - Nigerian music star Rema took a powerful moment during his concert at O2 Arena in London to publicly honour Afrobeats singer, D’banj, for paving the way for artists like him.

Bringing D’banj on stage to a roaring crowd, Rema paid tribute to the veteran’s iconic role in taking Afrobeats to a global audience—particularly in the UK.

He referenced D’banj’s 2012 smash hit Oliver Twist, which made history as the first Nigerian song to break into the UK’s official top 10 chart.

“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,” Rema said.

He continued with heartfelt gratitude:

“I appreciate you for life. I love you from the bottom of my heart. If you never existed, I would have never existed.”

Fans in the crowd cheered as the two stars shared the stage.