On Friday, May 2, Nigerian sensation Rema delivered a blazing performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City, marking a milestone not just in his career, but for Afrobeats as a whole. The show was part of his “Heis World Tour,” named after his critically acclaimed 2024 album Heis, which earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. Only a few years after the release of his debut album Rave & Roses—which produced the U.S. crossover smash “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez—Rema now stands tall among the genre’s elite.
The evening began with a dramatic flair. Clad in an oversized fur coat and wielding a machete while perched on a levitating platform, Rema opened the set with “March Am,” the lead track from Heis. An ominous voice introduced him as “the Prince of Afrobeats,” a title he lived up to over the next 90 minutes with sheer charisma, energy, and musical range.
Rema’s set was structured loosely around themes and tempo, blending a variety of moods and sounds without a strict linear flow. However, the abundance of hits compensated for any lack of continuity. He charged through Heis standouts like “Azaman” and “Yayo,” while weaving in earlier favorites and romantic anthems like “Favorite Girl” and “Soundgasm.” A “kiss cam” segment created a softer, more intimate break in the show, perfectly timed before launching into the crowd-pleasing “Calm Down,” which turned the arena into a massive singalong.
One of the night’s few critiques might be Rema’s choice to perform his most dynamic segments from a stage setup resembling a dungeon. While visually on-brand, some fans likely wished he had moved closer during high-energy moments. Still, the overall aesthetic was compelling—complete with thematic visuals, female backup vocalists adding texture, and nods to his music videos like “Charm.”
Beyond the performance itself, Rema also turned the show into a celebration and a statement of legacy. Having turned 25 just a day earlier, he was surprised mid-show with a birthday tribute. Joined by family and friends, he was presented with a sleek, black two-tiered cake featuring bats and design elements echoing his rave-inspired style. The crowd sang “Happy Birthday” in unison, pausing the show for a heartfelt moment.
In true New York style, local rap favorites Cash Cobain and Bay Swag made a surprise appearance. The duo performed their hits “Fisherrr” and “Trippin on a Yacht,” injecting a dose of NYC drill flavor into the night. It was a cross-cultural moment that highlighted the synergy between Afrobeats and the melting pot that is New York’s music scene.
Another touching highlight came when Rema took a moment to honor Don Jazzy, the legendary producer and founder of Mavin Records who played a pivotal role in his rise. “I want to give you your flowers in front of all these people,” Rema said, embracing him onstage. “You’ve done so much for this game, for your artists and for Afrobeats, and a lot of it goes unspoken.”
The final act of the night culminated with “Ozeba,” a track from Heis that has become a fan favorite. Its explosive energy made it the perfect closer—so much so that Rema performed it twice. With each beat pulsing alongside fiery pyrotechnics and bursts of fireworks, the crowd of nearly 20,000 moved in unison, captivated by every moment.
But perhaps the most impactful moment was Rema’s bold visual and lyrical statement asserting his place among Afrobeats’ elite. For years, the genre has been dominated by what fans and critics alike have called the “Big Three”: Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido. Rema, however, used his performance of “Hehehe”—a track that declares, “No more big three, there’s now a big four”—to challenge that hierarchy.
As the song began, Rema rose dramatically from beneath the stage, crouched atop a black table. Around the table sat mannequins representing Burna, Wizkid, and Davido. Instead of joining them, Rema danced on top of the table—an act that was both literal and symbolic. The message was clear: he’s not just in the room with them; he’s standing above, staking his claim.
The crowd’s reaction said it all. Cheers erupted throughout the venue, a roar of validation for an artist who only five years ago was performing in front of a few hundred people in New York. That night, Rema stood in front of tens of thousands, not only performing but declaring his legacy.
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