Twenty-three-year-old Nigerian superstar Rema on 14 November 2023 became the youngest African artist to sell out London’s O2 Arena.
Edo-born Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has enjoyed a remarkable 2023 with his hit single ‘Calm Down’ enjoying global success which he marked with a landmark sold-out show at the famous O2 Arena.
But Rema’s choice of clothing and stage props have since sparked a reaction from some concertgoers.
The first time he entered the concert riding on a horse while clothed in a black flowing robe and adorned in a red mask. The second time he was clothed in red and black while riding to the stage on the back of a huge bat with red eyes.
These, as well as the stage design, reignited old conversations around satanism in Rema’s artistic interpretations, which he has previously dismissed while stating that he’s a Christian.
Rema took to his X (formerly known as Twitter) account to share the inspiration behind the horse and mask he used for his O2 concert.
According to Rema, his decision was inspired by Edo culture whose awe-inspiring arts were carted away by the invading British in 1897 and remain locked up in the London Museum far away from Bini Kingdom where they rightfully belong.
Rema said the horse he rode in on is synonymous with Edo art while the mask is fashioned after that of the great Edo monarch Queen Idia.
Rema’s imagery has always carried esoteric elements and some fans who are conversant with his avant-garde approach might not ascribe it to dark arts. However, several other fans and observers consider it to be disturbing.
