Rema Dazzles at Coachella, Returning for a Memorable Second Weekend Performance
One of the most globally renowned music festivals, Coachella, once again gathered thousands of music lovers at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, to experience live performances from the world’s biggest stars. For Nigerian artist Rema, this year’s Coachella was a significant milestone, as he made his second appearance after overcoming initial technical challenges during his first weekend outing.
Rema, who holds the record for the most-streamed song by a Nigerian artist and the highest-charting song on the Billboard Hot 100 with his smash hit “Calm Down,” captivated the audience with his electrifying performance. As a Grammy-nominated artist, Rema continues to rise as a global Afrobeats sensation, and his performance at Coachella cemented his place on the international music scene.
The “Bounce” hitmaker got the crowd moving with an exciting setlist that included fan favorites like “Ozeba” and “Azaman,” showcasing his signature party-starting energy and infectious beats. But it was “Calm Down” that truly stole the show, as the crowd sang along to the record-breaking song that has dominated charts worldwide. Rema’s dynamic presence and thrilling stage performance were proof of why he’s one of the biggest names in Afrobeats today.
Rema’s performance came on the heels of Afrobeat legend Seun Kuti’s exciting set with his band, Egypt 80, during the first weekend of the festival. Seun Kuti, who is making his third appearance at Coachella, is now the Nigerian artist with the most performances at the prestigious festival. His 2025 appearance is especially significant, as he also holds the honor of being the first Nigerian artist to perform at Coachella back in 2012.
The 2025 Coachella lineup is packed with over 100 talented artists from various genres. Headliners include American rock band Green Day, known for their legendary album Kerplunk — one of the bestselling independent albums of all time — as well as the superstar Post Malone, who holds the record for the most RIAA diamond-certified songs in history.
Nigerian artists have made their mark at Coachella in recent years, with the likes of Burna Boy, CKay, Spinall, Fireboy, and Tems taking the stage in past editions. Tems’ unforgettable performance at the 2024 festival saw her join forces with Wizkid and Justin Bieber for a live rendition of their hit “Essence” remix, further cementing the growing global presence of Nigerian talent.
Rema’s electrifying return to Coachella is another testament to the international appeal of Afrobeats and the incredible impact Nigerian artists are having on the global music scene. With the genre continuing to rise in popularity worldwide, Rema’s success at Coachella is just one of many exciting moments for the Afrobeats movement.
