Award-winning Nigerian Afrobeat musician, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema has made a debut performance at the France Football Magazine also known as Ballon d’Or, making history as the first Nigerian Afrobeats singer, to perform at the ceremony.
The Ballon d’Or is an annual Football Award Presentation by the France Football Magazine, which started between the years 2010 and 2015 and has given recognition to many artists who have been on the event’s big stage to perform over the years.
This year’s award ceremony was held at Theatre du Chatelet in France on 31st October 2023.
Nigerian Afrobeat musician, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, got the chance for the first time to perform in front of the world’s most famous and talented footballers amidst some other big dignitaries.
His show-stopping performance at the Ballon d’Or 2023 not only captured the spotlight but also left an indelible mark on everyone present.
Taking to his Twitter page, the ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker tweeted,
“Afrobeat in Ballon d’Or! I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. Glory to the most high for the grace.”
His tweet has received a lot of reactions from his fans, propelling him toward a further promising prospect.
His performance is also a testament to the global rise of Afrobeats, especially from Nigeria with his performance being preceded by Tiwa Savage’s performance at the King of England’s coronation, Burna Boy’s exciting delivery at the Champions League finals and Davido’s concert at the World Cup closing ceremony last year, 2022.
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Story by: Mabel Antwi | univers.ug.edu.gh
