On Wednesday, Benin City witnessed a momentous occasion as the groundbreaking ceremony for the new arena, set to be named ‘Rema’s Dome,’ took place. The event was graced by the presence of global Afrobeats sensation Rema, who laid the first block of the 6,000-capacity venue alongside Governor Godwin Obaseki.
Governor Obaseki expressed his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), stating, “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.”
The Edo Arena is set to host a variety of events including concerts, national conferences, and symposiums, aiming to attract visitors to Edo State and provide new opportunities for local youth.
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, took to social media to share his pride in this honor. His latest single, ‘Benin Boys,’ featuring Shallipopi, serves as a tribute to his roots and his commitment to celebrating the culture and heritage of Edo State.
In addition to the groundbreaking ceremony, Rema’s highly anticipated Homecoming Concert at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is set to be a grand celebration. This event marks a significant milestone for Rema as he returns to perform for his hometown audience, who have supported his rise to international fame. Fans are eagerly anticipating an unforgettable night filled with live performances of his biggest hits.
In related news, Canadian football star Alphonso Davies, known for his dynamic performances with Bayern Munich and the Canadian national team, has openly expressed his admiration for African music. His playlist includes Burna Boy’s hit “Sittin’ On Top Of The World” and Rema’s rising anthem “Ozeba.” Davies’ appreciation highlights the growing global recognition of African music and its influence on the international music scene.
The events in Benin City and the international acclaim for African artists underscore the increasing global impact of African music and culture.
