Rema Makes History with Dazzling Madison Square Garden Performance
On May 3, 2025, Nigerian music sensation Rema cemented his place among Afrobeats royalty with a landmark concert at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Grammy-nominated star headlined the iconic venue in a high-energy show that celebrated his meteoric rise and solidified his status as one of the genre’s biggest global ambassadors.
Performing to a packed crowd, Rema thrilled fans with a dynamic setlist that featured many of the hit songs that have defined his career since his breakout in 2019. From the pulsating rhythm of Dumebi to the chart-topping success of Calm Down featuring Selena Gomez, every track echoed his signature blend of youthful charisma and genre-bending creativity.
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Rema paused to honor Mavin Records founder and CEO, Don Jazzy. With heartfelt words, he acknowledged the legendary producer’s pivotal role in shaping his career, describing Don Jazzy’s guidance and support as “invaluable.” The crowd erupted in applause, recognizing the profound impact of mentorship and industry leadership in Rema’s journey.
Another unforgettable highlight was Rema’s performance of Hehehe, a standout single from his Grammy-nominated sophomore album HEIS. The bold track, known for its confident lyrics and pulsating production, took on new meaning as Rema delivered it on stage flanked by wax figures of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy—the trio often dubbed the “Afrobeats Big 3.”
With the powerful lyric, “There’s no longer a Big 3; there’s now a Big 4,” Rema made a bold statement about his position in the industry. He echoed the line again backstage, signaling his readiness to be recognized as one of the defining voices of his generation in Afrobeats.
By headlining Madison Square Garden, Rema joins an elite group of Nigerian artists—Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Asake—who have taken their sound to one of the world’s most prestigious stages. The concert is a significant milestone not just for Rema but for the global reach of Afrobeats, which continues to break barriers and win hearts across continents.
His collaboration with Selena Gomez on Calm Down remains a watershed moment in African music history, recently becoming the first song by an African artist to surpass 1 billion streams on Spotify.
Rema’s Madison Square Garden performance is more than just a concert—it’s a celebration of African excellence, global ambition, and the unstoppable rise of a young star who refuses to be boxed in. As Afrobeats continues to captivate audiences worldwide, Rema stands confidently at the center of its bright future.
