Royal Family Celebrates Global Music Star Rema as Oba Ewuare II Honors Him for Championing Benin Culture

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“Do you see a person skilled in his work? He will stand in the presence of kings. He will not stand in the presence of the unknown”. Proverbs 22: 29 (Christian Standard Bible, CSB)

It was a divine moment for Divine Ikubor, celebrated Afrobeat sensation and global music icon as he stood before His Royal Majesty, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, Oba of Benin, to gleefully announce his conquest of the world through his music.

In his moving inspirational speech, which would remain etched on marble for posterity, Rema, standing taller and larger than his 23 years of life, stated triumphantly, “I have conquered in the space of five years as much as I could of my career. My generation regards me as the Prince of Afrobeat; and I am very proud of being an Edo man! I represent Benin Culture”.

Rema, who was at the palace of Oba Ewuare 11 on a courtesy visit ahead of his homecoming concert, on Friday night at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, went down memory lane to recall how his father had also had the privilege of appearing before a past Oba to pay obeisance.

The visibly ecstatic popular rapper said “Your Majesty, I am very grateful to be here. It is a great privilege! I have seen photos of my father who was once here in past times; in the same position as me, kneeling down and showing respect. I am here to do the same!

“Your Majesty, I have been far away around the world, performing and representing Afrobeat; representing the Benin Culture. I have made it very important to carry our culture along”.

Soliciting for the Oba’s blessings and prayer for the success of his first concert in Nigeria taking place in His Majesty’s domain after five years of his exploits outside the country, Rema poured encomiums on the royal father for the warm reception.

Flanked by his children and grandchildren in a rare public appearance in solidarity with the youthful superstar, members of the royal family, and joined by palace chiefs to welcome their august visitor, the Omo N’ Oba said the Palace will continually remember Rema in prayer for promoting the Edo cultural heritage at home and in the Diaspora.

Speaking in Edo Language, the visibly proud and happy Benin monarch who was full of admiration for his illustrious son, said “Your fans are amongst the Royal family. The omnipotent God and Almighty God guide you in life! We are happy with the way you are promoting Edo culture around the world. We are indeed pleased with your exploits.

“May God grant you peace! We have confidence in you; you shall excel in life; you shall not encounter obstacles; you will not be disgraced”!

Rema’s visit to the palace created a carnival-like atmosphere as a swarm of paparazzi pushed and shoved each other for vantage positions to take memorable shots of the event. Serenading his fans with an impromptu non-instrumental music performance of the popular tracks, ‘Calm Down’, Rema electrified the arena and threw his fans into dancing and gyration, even as they, like Oliver Twist, asked for more.

The princes and princesses were treated to photoshoot with Rema, who also emblazoned his signature on the white T-shirt of Prince Idugbowa Ewuare.

In the sidelines, palace officials and prominent loyal subjects of Oba Ewuare II, showcased their Ugho traditional dancing skills and oratory to capture the mood of the event. The mesmerizing nifty footwork dance is characterised with shaking of wrist joints, body and head to music beats by drummers.

Highpoint of the visit was a presentation of a bronze mugshot of Oba of Benin to the music icon by Princess Oghogho Ewuare on behalf of her father.