Afrobeats sensation, Rema, has been bestowed with a royal plaque by the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, in recognition of his contributions to promoting the Benin legacy and Edo State culture.
The presentation took place on Thursday at the Oba’s palace, ahead of Rema’s homecoming concert at the Ogbe Stadium in Benin City. This gesture underscores the Oba’s appreciation for Rema’s efforts in showcasing the rich heritage of the ancient Benin empire through his music.
Rema, who hails from Benin City, has consistently demonstrated pride in his roots, highlighting Edo State and its legacy in his songs and performances. His recent hit, ‘Benin Boys,’ featuring Shallipopi, is a testament to this, with Rema even mentioning that he deserves a medal from the Oba for his promotional efforts.
In a related development, Rema joined Governor Godwin Obaseki for the groundbreaking ceremony of Edo Arena, which will be named Rema Dome in his honor. This 6,000-capacity arena is a nod to Rema’s impact on the state’s cultural landscape.