Nigerian music sensation, Rema, has responded to widespread reports that he was paid an astounding $3 million for his performance at the wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical moguls Viren and Shaila Merchant.
Rema gained significant attention after performing at the high-profile wedding, held on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC), Mumbai.
According to a report by the Hindustan Times, Rema received $3 million to perform his global hit, ‘Calm Down,’ at the event.
In an interview with GRM, when asked if he was paid the reported amount, Rema laughed and said, “Hehehe. That’s all I can say, honestly. The money was good, but the overall experience was even better. It was amazing.”
Rema also shared his love for India and its people, mentioning how warmly he was welcomed during his tour. He added that he might be the first Afrobeat artist, and possibly the first African artist, to tour India, highlighting how important this achievement is to him.
“I love India. India loves me, too. And it’s just beautiful to see something that people trolled me for, and criticised me for. And now, I’m benefiting from that.
“Imagine if I stopped. Imagine if I listened to the trolls online and switched up my sound. “Four years later, it paid and still paying and more to come. India is a huge territory. I’m actually the first Afrobeats artiste to tour India. I’m even probably the first African if I’m not wrong, but if I’m mistaken, please, forgive me. But it’s a huge deal.
“It’s not just about the wedding. It’s about the reception everywhere I go. I remember when I was touring India, I didn’t even know how they knew. When I go anywhere just to eat, it’s just paparazzi. It’s crazier than the love in Nigeria.”
