CNN —When a Benin City boy like Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema rises to global stardom, selling out international shows and recording the first song led by an African-artist to surpass a billion streams on Spotify, what does he do next?
“I got Benin (City) blood rushing in my rushing in my veins,” the singer told CNN, just before his sold-out homecoming show there at the end of August.
“I just feel like I needed to have a good body of work tied to my roots.”Larry Madowo interviews Nigerian singer Rema ahead of his Afronation performance in Detroit, Michigan August 17, 2024.
In June, Rema dropped his lead single from the album, a collaboration with another Benin City native, Shallipoppi, called “Benin Boys,” a tribute to their hometown.
Shortly after, Rema staged a homecoming show in the city, about 186 miles (300 kilometers) east of Lagos.
Persons:
“, ” Rema, ”, Selena Gomez, “ It’s, Larry Madowo, Rema, Gregg Canes, Samuel Ogbemudia, Okutoyi, Zerry, Magixx, Lamide Akintobi
Organizations:
CNN, Records
Locations:
Benin City, Benin, Africa, Detroit , Michigan, Lagos, “