Rema’s debut album from 2022, Rave & Roses, produced the largest Afrobeats crossover hit in the United States (the Selena Gomez-featured “Calm Down”), and merely three years later, the Nigerian sensation has solidified his status within the genre’s elite during an electrifying, high-energy debut at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Friday (May 2).
Named after Heis — his upcoming 2024 sophomore album, which earned him his inaugural Grammy nomination for best global music album — Rema’s Heis World Tour is a monumental display of the impressive trajectory and body of work the 25-year-old innovator has cultivated since bursting onto the music scene with 2019’s “Dumebi.” Although that earlier chart-topper was reserved for later in the evening, Rema, adorned in a grand fur coat and wielding a machete on a floating platform, launched his headlining performance with “March Am,” the opening track from Heis.
“I wanna present to you a man, a myth, a legend,” a faceless announcer proclaimed over ominous, cinematic drum beats characteristic of Heis. “He’s known by many names! He is… the Prince of Afrobeats, Rema!” While this introduction might have seemed excessive for some artists, Rema spent the ensuing hour and a half validating why he merits such an exuberant welcome. Subsequent cuts from Heis, like “Azaman” and “Yayo,” kept the audience’s energy high during the initial segment of the show before the first of several interludes that disrupted the flow of the setlist.
The concert’s playlist was loosely themed and varied in tempo. Despite its lack of seamless progression, Rema compensated abundantly with the impressive number of hits he presented. A playful kiss-cam led into a softer, love-infused segment featuring tracks such as “Favorite Girl” (with Darkoo) and “Soundgasm”; “Calm Down” created a quintessential arena sing-along experience, while fresh releases like “Bout U” and “Baby (Is It a Crime)” gave Rema the opportunity to showcase both his sultry R&B flair and robust rock persona.
Even with a generously sized walkway on stage, Rema delivered the majority of the set’s most dynamic moments from what seemed to be an entrance to a dungeon. While this staging enhanced the overall theatrical experience, it could have been even more exhilarating had he engaged with the audience during the more electrifying segments. Nonetheless, from a recreation of the “Charm” music video to the clever additional harmonies from his female backup singers, the exuberant vibe of Heis was graciously complemented by the subtle feminine energy that permeated the performance.
From unexpected guests to noteworthy declarations, here are the top five highlights from Rema’s Heis Tour stop at New York City’s Madison Square Garden.
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A Surprise Birthday Celebration
Rema celebrated turning 25 the day prior to his appearance at MSG, but those dear to him ensured the special occasion was highlighted with a surprise during the latter part of the performance.
Surrounded by family, friends, and his team, Rema soaked in the experience as the filled arena serenaded him with “Happy Birthday.” This heartfelt moment, adding purpose to an already vibrant evening, included a striking black, two-tiered cake adorned with bats and motifs reflecting Rema’s rave theme.
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Cash Cobain & Bay Swag Deliver an ‘Afro Slizz’ Moment
While their performances didn’t feature a blend of Afrobeats and sultry drill, Cash Cobain and Bay Swag’s unanticipated appearance certainly highlighted the beautiful blend of cultures that characterizes NYC.
Presenting their breakout hit “Fisherrr” and recent track “Trippin on a Yacht,” the New York rap duo granted Rema a few moments to catch his breath while the audience grooved to the ethereal synths of each song. A year after the original “Fisherrr” phenomenon, Cash Cobain remains a highly sought-after guest for artists visiting New York, irrespective of genre.
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Rema Tributes Don Jazzy
Don Jazzy stands as one of the pivotal music moguls of the late 2010s and 2020s, acknowledging his efforts with Mavin Records to bring Afrobeats to an international audience — and Rema seized the chance to pay tribute to his “second dad” at The Garden.
“I cherish you deeply from the bottom of my heart. I wish to give you your flowers in front of this many people,” Rema shared before embracing his mentor. “You’ve put in so much effort, not only for your artists but for the industry as a whole. There are countless contributions you’ve made that remain unspoken — that people don’t acknowledge. I just want to convey my gratitude from the very core of my being.”
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‘Ozeba’ Shuts Down The Garden
From tracks like “Holiday” and “DND” to “Woman” and “Bounce,” Rema’s set — despite its many interruptions — boasted a plethora of the most adrenaline-fueled Afrobeats hits in recent years. However, only one song was truly befitting to conclude the evening: “Ozeba.”
The seventh track from Heis, “Ozeba” immediately stood out upon the album’s debut, and its impact has only intensified with time. Amid quips suggesting he had exceeded his time, Rema performed “Ozeba” twice, with the final version somehow feeling even more intense and electrifying than the first. Supported by dazzling pyrotechnics and vibrant fireworks, every pulse of “Ozeba” reverberated throughout the arena and resonated in the feet of every attendee. During those final seven minutes, it felt as though Rema held the entire universe in his grasp — not just MSG.
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Afrobeats’ Big Four Is Now Undeniable
Rema’s assertion that his presence justifies the formation of an Afrobeats Big Four — as opposed to the widely acknowledged Big Three comprising Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid — has been a recurring narrative throughout the Heis album journey. During Friday night’s performance, the “Reason You” artist made what appears to be a decisive statement on this matter — and it’s tough to dispute the claim he presented.
In a fiery rendition of “Hehehe” — featuring the line “No more big three, there’s now a big four” — Rema emerged from below the stage, striking his signature crouched pose atop a black table. Perched upon that table were mannequins resembling Burna, Wizkid, and Davido. Throughout the performance, Rema never seated himself at the table; instead, he danced on top of it, celebrating and affirming his role as one of the four pivotal male voices in Afrobeats.
Rema’s validation materialized in the form of nearly 20,000 cheering fans echoing their approval as he passionately executed the song, marking an unforgettable moment for an artist who began his journey five years ago performing to a mere 300 attendees at his first show in New York.
- Source: NEWHD MEDIA
