When history remembers the greatest music exports from Edo State, one name will forever stand at the very top — Rema.

Born Divine Ikubor in Benin City, Edo State, the Afrobeats superstar has transformed from a talented teenager recording freestyle videos into one of the biggest global music icons of his generation. At just 26 years old, Rema has achieved what many musicians spend an entire lifetime chasing.

His latest milestone is another proud moment for Edo people around the world. Rema became the first Edo-born musician to perform at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony, adding yet another remarkable achievement to an already legendary career. The performance further cemented his place as one of Africa’s biggest cultural ambassadors.

A Proud Son of Edo State

Every Edo indigene has every reason to celebrate Rema.

Despite achieving worldwide fame, the singer has never hidden his roots. He proudly represents Benin City wherever he goes, carrying the Edo spirit onto some of the biggest stages on earth.

His success is proof that talent from Edo State can compete with the very best in the world.

Making History at the Ballon d’Or

Long before stepping onto the World Cup stage, Rema had already rewritten history.

In 2023, he became the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, entertaining football legends including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Robert Lewandowski with his global smash hit Calm Down.

It was more than just a performance.

It was another powerful statement that Afrobeats had officially become one of the world’s biggest musical movements—and Rema was leading the charge.

“Calm Down” Changed Everything

Few songs in African music history have achieved what Calm Down accomplished.

The record became a worldwide anthem, while the remix featuring Selena Gomez dominated charts across continents.

The song broke streaming records, entered the Billboard Hot 100 Top 10, spent a record-breaking run atop the U.S. Afrobeats chart, and introduced millions of new listeners to African music.

It wasn’t just a hit.

It became a cultural movement.

The Young King of Global Afrobeats

Since breaking into the industry in 2019 with “Dumebi,” Rema has continued to evolve faster than almost any artist of his generation.

Among his remarkable achievements are:

• Multiple international awards and nominations.
• Grammy recognition.
• Billions of streams across digital platforms.
• Performances on some of the world’s biggest stages.
• Collaborations with international superstars.
• Historic streaming records for African music.
• Recognition as one of Nigeria’s biggest global music exports.

More Than a Musician

Rema represents hope.

He represents the young African who refuses to accept limitations.

He represents every child in Benin City dreaming of changing the world.

His journey proves that greatness does not depend on where you come from but on how boldly you pursue your dreams.

From recording music as an unknown teenager to standing before billions of football fans at the FIFA World Cup, Rema has become one of the greatest success stories Africa has produced.

Edo’s Global Ambassador

For Edo State, Rema is more than an entertainer.

He is an ambassador.

Every international achievement carries the name of Benin City and Edo State to new audiences across the globe.

His success continues to inspire thousands of young creatives who now believe they, too, can rise from the streets of Benin and shine on the world’s biggest stages.

As Rema continues breaking records and making history, one thing is certain—this is only the beginning.

The prince from Edo has become a global king, and the world is still watching his remarkable journey unfold.

Edo is proud. Nigeria is proud. Africa is proud.