On May 3, 2025, Nigerian music sensation and Grammy-nominated artist Rema took the global stage by storm as he headlined a landmark concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
The sold-out event marked a historic moment in his career and in the global rise of Afrobeats, as fans from all over the world gathered to witness an unforgettable night of music, spectacle, and storytelling.
From the moment Rema stepped on stage, he commanded the crowd with a dynamic performance of hit songs that have defined his career since his breakout in 2019.
Each track served as a chapter in his evolving journey from a promising teenager to an international superstar.
Among the many memorable moments of the night, one that stood out was Rema’s heartfelt tribute to Mavin Records founder and CEO, Don Jazzy.
In front of thousands of cheering fans, Rema paused his set to acknowledge the man who believed in him from the very beginning. “I wouldn’t be here without Don Jazzy,” he said, his voice filled with gratitude.
“He saw something in me when the world didn’t, and he’s been behind me every step of the way.” The audience erupted in applause as images of Don Jazzy and early footage of Rema’s career flashed across giant screens, underscoring the deep bond between the two and the label’s pivotal role in his rise.
A major highlight of the concert came during the performance of “Hehehe,” a track off Rema’s Grammy-nominated sophomore album HEIS.
This particular segment of the show took a bold and symbolic turn as Rema was joined onstage by wax figures of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy—collectively known as the “Afrobeats Big 3.”
The powerful imagery set the tone for one of the night’s most talked-about statements. With unwavering confidence, Rema declared, “There’s no longer a Big 3; there’s now a Big 4,” referencing a line from “Hehehe” that has stirred conversation within the music scene.
The declaration drew cheers and whistles, as fans recognized his bold claim to a seat at the top.
Backstage after the performance, Rema reiterated the sentiment in a more reflective tone. “I respect those who came before me, and they paved the way,” he said.
“But it’s a new era now. I’ve worked hard, broken records, and taken Afrobeats to new places. I believe it’s time to recognize that.”
The wax figure performance was not just theatrical flair—it was a confident message to the world that Rema sees himself not just as a rising star, but as a new pillar in the foundation of global Afrobeats.
With his headline show at Madison Square Garden, Rema has joined a prestigious circle of Nigerian artists who have conquered the iconic venue, including Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Asake.
The accomplishment adds another major milestone to his already impressive career and serves as a symbol of Afrobeats’ growing influence on the global stage.
It’s a moment that signals not only his individual success but the collective power of Nigerian music as it continues to expand its reach.
Rema’s journey from Benin City to the world stage has been nothing short of phenomenal.
His record-breaking single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez made history as the first song by an African artist to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify—an achievement that has become a defining symbol of his global appeal.
With his energy, vision, and determination, Rema’s Madison Square Garden performance wasn’t just a concert—it was a declaration of legacy in the making.
As the final note rang out and fans roared in approval, one thing was clear: Rema isn’t just part of Afrobeats’ future—he is helping shape it.
