The release of Rema’s groundbreaking 2022 debut album, Rave & Roses, marked a historic moment in the music industry as it produced the most significant Afrobeats crossover hit in U.S. history: the chart-topping collaboration with Selena Gomez, “Calm Down.” Fast forward just three years, and the Nigerian music sensation has firmly established his status among the genre’s elite, often referred to as the Big Four of Afrobeats. This was evident during his electrifying debut performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday, May 2, where he captivated fans with his high-energy showmanship and undeniable talent.
Titled after his upcoming 2024 sophomore album Heis, which has garnered him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album, Rema’s Heis World Tour serves as a powerful testament to the incredible career he has built at just 25 years old. Since his meteoric rise to fame with the viral hit “Dumebi” in 2019, Rema has consistently delivered quality music and unforgettable performances. Although “Dumebi” was saved for a later moment in the concert, Rema opened the show dressed in a striking fur overcoat, wielding a machete atop a levitating platform while launching into “March Am,” the opening track from Heis.
In a dramatic lead-in, a faceless announcer proclaimed, “I wanna introduce to you a man, a myth, a legend,” over a backdrop of dark, cinematic drums that echo the essence of Heis. “He goes by many names! He is… Prince of Afrobeats, Rema!” While such grand introductions may come off as excessive for some artists, Rema spent the following hour and a half validating this hype through his magnetic stage presence and a string of hits. Following the opening, he performed tracks like “Azaman” and “Yayo,” maintaining an exhilarating atmosphere that resonated with the audience during the concert’s initial segment before engaging in several interludes that shifted the setlist’s pace.
The carefully curated setlist flowed thematically and rhythmically, creating a dynamic experience for the audience. Although the performance lacked strict continuity, Rema compensated for this with an impressive array of his chart-topping hits. A playful kiss-cam segment led into a more intimate portion of the concert, featuring fan-favorite tracks like “Favorite Girl” (featuring Darkoo) and “Soundgasm.” The standout moment came with “Calm Down,” which transformed into a classic arena sing-along, while newer tracks like “Bout U” and “Baby (Is It a Crime)” showcased Rema’s versatility, revealing both his sultry R&B side and his bold rock-inspired edge.
Despite the stage’s extensive walkway, Rema chose to perform the most intense parts of his set atop what appeared to be an entrance to a dungeon, adding an intriguing visual element to the overall aesthetic. While this staging choice enhanced the show’s artistic concept, moving closer to the audience during his most spirited performances could have heightened the excitement. Nevertheless, the concert featured a captivating recreation of the “Charm” music video, complemented by harmonies from his talented female background singers, which added layers of energy and feminine grace to the vibrant atmosphere of Heis.
The event was filled with unexpected surprises and memorable moments, highlighting the best aspects of Rema’s Heis Tour stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Here are the five unforgettable highlights from that remarkable night.
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Rema’s Surprise Birthday Bash Steals the Show
Rema celebrated his milestone 25th birthday just a day before his performance at Madison Square Garden, and his loved ones ensured that this special occasion was acknowledged with a surprise celebration during the show’s latter half.
Surrounded by family, friends, and his dedicated team, Rema relished the moment as the packed arena serenaded him with the classic tune “Happy Birthday.” This heartfelt celebration became one of the night’s most meaningful pauses, complete with a stunning jet-black, two-tiered cake adorned with bats and other symbols reflecting Rema’s distinctive rave aesthetic.
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Cash Cobain & Bay Swag Ignite the Stage with an ‘Afro Slizz’ Performance
While they may not have combined Afrobeats with the energetic drill sound in their performances, Cash Cobain and Bay Swag’s surprise appearance resonated with the cultural blend that defines New York City.
Performing their breakthrough hit “Fisherrr” alongside their latest track “Trippin on a Yacht,” the New York rap duo provided Rema with a moment to recharge while the audience immersed themselves in the captivating synths of each song. A year after “Fisherrr” became a sensation, Cash Cobain continues to be a sought-after feature for artists across various genres visiting New York.
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Rema Pays Homage to Music Mogul Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy stands as one of the most influential music moguls of the late 2010s and 2020s, known for his pivotal role in Mavin Records and his efforts in globalizing Afrobeats. Rema took a moment during the concert to publicly honor his mentor, referring to him as his “second dad.”
“I love you so much from the bottom of my heart. I want to give you your flowers in front of this many people,” Rema expressed with genuine emotion before embracing his mentor. “You’ve worked tirelessly, not just for your artists but for the entire music scene. There are countless contributions you’ve made that often go unrecognized. I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude.”
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‘Ozeba’ Brings Down the House at Madison Square Garden
From hits like “Holiday,” “DND,” “Woman,” and “Bounce,” Rema’s setlist was packed with high-energy Afrobeats anthems. However, one particular track was worthy of closing this unforgettable night: “Ozeba.”
Representing the seventh track from Heis, “Ozeba” quickly emerged as a fan favorite upon the album’s release, and its impact has only intensified over time. Amid light-hearted banter about going over his allotted time, Rema played “Ozeba” twice, with the final performance delivering an even more explosive and exhilarating experience. Accompanied by dazzling pyrotechnics and vibrant fireworks, every thumping beat of “Ozeba” reverberated throughout the arena, leaving an indelible mark on the audience. For those exhilarating final minutes, it felt as if Rema held the entire world in his hands—far beyond just Madison Square Garden.
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Rema’s Position in Afrobeats’ Big Four Solidified
Rema’s assertion that his presence deserves recognition as part of an Afrobeats Big Four—challenging the traditional Big Three represented by Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid—has been a recurring theme throughout the promotional cycle for Heis. During his performance, the “Reason You” artist made a powerful statement affirming this claim, making it difficult to contest.
During an intense rendition of “Hehehe,” which features the lyric “No more big three, there’s now a big four,” Rema dramatically emerged from beneath the stage, striking a pose in his characteristic crouch atop a black table. Resting on that table were mannequins resembling Burna, Wizkid, and Davido. Throughout the performance, Rema danced atop the table, celebrating and solidifying his place as one of the four defining male voices in the vibrant world of Afrobeats.
The validation of Rema’s status was palpable, with nearly 20,000 fans erupting in cheers as he passionately delivered the song, marking an unforgettable moment for an artist who reminisced about performing his first New York show to a mere 300 people five years ago.
