Governor Godwin Obaseki honours Rema with name change of the new Edo Arena which has a 6,000-person capacity. This name change is in tribute to the celebrated Afrobeats artiste.
This announcement took place during the ground-breaking ceremony for the arena in Benin City on Wednesday. Rema, who was in town for his homecoming concert at Ogbe Stadium, joined Governor Obaseki at the ceremony and laid the first block of the arena.
The Governor shared on X (formerly Twitter), “It was a privilege to have our international music icon @heisrema with me for the groundbreaking of the 6,000-capacity Edo Arena. The venue, to be named ‘Rema’s Dome,’ is located at the former Garrick Memorial School Ground on Ekenhuan Road in Benin City.”
Governor Obaseki highlighted that the arena will host a variety of events, such as concerts, national conferences, and symposiums, once completed. The new venue is expected to attract more visitors to Edo State and offer numerous opportunities for local youth.
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, is a proud representative of Benin City and has consistently highlighted the culture and heritage of Edo State through his music. His latest single, ‘Benin Boys,’ featuring Shallipopi, is a tribute to his hometown.
In a related news, Rema officially arrived in Benin City setting the stage for his highly anticipated Homecoming Concert at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium. This significant event marks a major milestone for the global Afrobeats sensation as he returns to his hometown to perform for the local audience that has supported him throughout his career.
The concert is expected to be a grand celebration, with fans eagerly looking forward to seeing REMA perform some of his biggest hits live. The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, renowned for hosting large-scale events, is anticipated to be buzzing with excitement and energy as REMA takes the stage. This night promises to be unforgettable for both the artist and his devoted fans.
Meanwhile, Alphonso Davies, the dynamic defender for Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team, has openly expressed his admiration for African music, particularly the vibrant and energetic sounds emerging from Nigeria. His playlist features a diverse selection of African artists, with two tracks standing out as his favorites: Burna Boy‘s infectious hit “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and Rema‘s rising star anthem “Ozeba.”
Davies’ appreciation for these songs reflects the growing global recognition of African music. His personal connection to the genre highlights the cultural richness and rhythmic energy that African music brings. This choice underscores the increasing influence of African artists on the international music scene and the expanding diversity of popular music influences.
