Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has made the difficult decision to cancel all scheduled performances in December, citing the need to prioritize his health after years of extensive touring.
The 23-year-old artist, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, conveyed the news to his fans through an Instagram post on Wednesday.
In his heartfelt message, Rema expressed his regret, stating, “It breaks my heart, but I need time to recuperate.” Despite the disappointment, he reassured fans that he plans to return to the stage in 2024, declaring, “2024 we go again.”
Rema gained international recognition for his chart-topping hit “Calm Down,” a track that has set records in both streaming and chart performance.
Recently, he delivered a captivating performance at London’s O2 arena, making a dramatic entrance on a carousel pony. Beyond the music, he used the platform to shed light on the Benin Bronzes, emphasizing their cultural significance and the need for repatriation.
“My ancestors’ bronzes sit in the museum of this very city, so I remade mine,” Rema explained on social media, providing context to the visuals in his London show.
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The canceled tour dates for December were originally planned for cities in Nigeria, including Abuja, Benin, and Lagos. Additionally, Rema was scheduled to perform at the Hey Neighbour Festival in South Africa on December 9.
The announcement did not specify whether fans who had purchased tickets would receive refunds or if the tickets would be valid for rescheduled dates in 2024.
Despite this setback, Rema remains a prominent figure in the global music scene, recently being honored with the first-ever Billboard Music Award for Best Afrobeats Song. During his acceptance speech, he expressed gratitude to his fans, describing the award as “a celebration of unity and the global domination of Afrobeats.”