Nigerian singer Rema made history at this year’s MTV Video Music Awards, taking home the inaugural award for Best Afrobeats. During his acceptance speech, he gave a heartfelt shoutout to the legends who paved the way for his groundbreaking achievement.
After being announced the winner Sunday night, a shocked Rema took the stage expressing gratitude for the opportunity to rep Africa at such a major event.
“I’m so excited for Africa, this is huge for us,” he exclaimed. Rema then named afrobeats pioneers like Fela Kuti, Don Jazzy, D’Prince, WizKid, Davido, and Burna Boy as those who opened doors for the new generation of African talent.
Rema praised these artists for putting in the hard work over decades to take afrobeats from Nigeria to the world stage. He said his win was not just individual but a shared victory for African music as a whole.
The rapper/singer closed by dedicating the award to afrobeats fans worldwide helping propel the sound into the mainstream. He then delivered an energetic performance of his hit song “Calm Down” getting the crowd hyped.
Rema’s Best Afrobeats award marks a landmark occasion for the genre. As he acknowledged, the triumph was only possible thanks to groundbreakers like Fela and others who established the unique afrobeats sound.
The young star displays maturity and character beyond his years in recognizing he stands on the shoulders of those giants. His VMA success helps ensure afrobeats continues its remarkable rise for years to come
