…ENINA theatre festival kicks off
Benin City, the capital of Edo State, is pulsating with excitement as Rema’s highly-anticipated homecoming concert holds in the ancient city today. The event, which has been the talk of the town for weeks, marks a triumphant return for the international music star, Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, to the city where he was born and brought up.
This is even as the Enina Theatre Festival 2024 kicked off on Thursday at the Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub in Benin City with a vibrant celebration of storytelling, culture and the performing arts.
The Rema concert, taking place at the iconic Ogbemudia Stadium, has drawn thousands of fans from across the state and beyond, all eager to witness Rema’s first major performance in his hometown since rising to global fame. The atmosphere in Benin City is electric, with streets lined with banners, posters, and digital billboards celebrating the return of the city’s prodigious talent.
This concert is particularly special as it follows Rema’s previous homecoming event in 2019, which was organized by the Edo State government to celebrate his early success. While that event was a significant moment in Rema’s career, today’s concert marks his return as a global star, solidifying his place as one of Nigeria’s most influential artists.
Local vendors and businesses have seen a significant uptick in activity, as the influx of visitors boosts the local economy. Hotels, restaurants, and transport services have reported full bookings, with fans and tourists eager to be part of the historic event.
“This is the biggest concert we’ve seen in Benin in years,” said a local vendor. “The energy is unbelievable; it’s like the whole city is celebrating.”
Security around the stadium and across the city has been tightened, with the Edo State Police Command and other security agencies working around the clock to ensure a smooth and safe event.
The young star, who has taken the world by storm with hits like “Dumebi” and “Calm Down”, is expected to deliver an unforgettable show, blending his unique Afrobeat sound with the energy and culture of his hometown.
Expectations are also that Rema will bring along artists that would give the ancient city’s residents great performances leading up to his own performance, and fans have been speculating about possible guest performances and surprises that could take place on stage.
Rema had, while announcing the concert earlier through an electrifying video that quickly went viral across social media platforms, expressed his excitement to return to his home state, a place that holds immense personal and cultural significance for him.
“Edo State is where it all began for me,” he said in the video. “Coming back to perform here, where I was born and raised, is not just a concert—it’s a celebration of our rich heritage, our people, and how far we’ve come.”
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki, who made a special guest appearance in the video, expressed his pride in Rema’s success and highlighted the significance of the concert for the youth and the cultural landscape of the state.
“Rema is a beacon of inspiration to our young people. His talent and hard work have brought international acclaim not only to himself but to Edo State. This concert will be a reminder to our youth that anything is possible with dedication and passion,” said the governor.
Rema’s homecoming concert has not only become a celebration of the Afrobeats sensation’s success but also a symbol of pride for Benin City, showcasing the city’s rich cultural heritage and its growing influence on the global music scene. As the night progresses, the streets of Benin will continue to resonate with the sounds of celebration, as Rema’s homecoming concert cements itself as a landmark event in the city’s history.
Meanwhile, the three-day ENINA festival kicked off on Thursday under the theme ‘Roots and Routes – Celebrating cultural roots and journeys that shape us – The Edo Story’ and delved into the Edo Story, exploring the rich cultural heritage that shapes the people’s identity and influences their future.
Last year, the festival featured a vibrant carnival roadshow, which paraded from Airport Road to Ring Road in Benin City, presenting a visual feast of colour, music, and dance that drew massive crowds, including dignitaries from all walks of life.
“This year’s edition promises to be an even more electrifying celebration of theatre, creativity and rich cultural heritage of Edo State and Nigeria as a whole and is set to surpass all expectations. The festival will showcase mouthwatering stage plays, mesmerising dance performances, and a vibrant cultural atmosphere that promises to be even more spectacular than before,” the organisers said aheead of the event.
