If you never existed, I wouldn’t have existed

At his sold-out concert at London’s iconic O2 Arena, Nigerian music sensation Rema created a heartfelt moment that resonated far beyond the music.

In front of thousands of fans, the young star took time out of his electrifying set to pay homage to a true Afrobeats pioneer — D’banj.

“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, his voice filled with gratitude.

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

The tribute came as D’banj joined him on stage, greeted by a roaring ovation from the audience.

The moment wasn’t just symbolic—it was a powerful acknowledgment of legacy, showing how today’s stars continue to stand on the shoulders of those who paved the way.

Born Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, D’banj emerged in the mid-2000s as one of the most charismatic figures in African music. With hits like “Why Me”, “Fall in Love”, and the global smash “Oliver Twist”, he didn’t just dominate Nigerian airwaves—he helped position Afrobeats as a global force.

Alongside producer Don Jazzy, D’banj co-founded Mo’ Hits Records, a label that defined a generation.

His signature style—bold, humorous, and infectious—captivated fans across continents and inspired a new wave of artists, including Rema, to dream beyond borders.

D’banj was among the first Nigerian artists to sign a major international deal (with Kanye West’s G.O.O.D. Music in 2011), effectively opening doors for the likes of Wizkid, Burna Boy, and now Rema to thrive on the world stage.