Rema’s Inspiring Speech After Winning ‘Best Afrobeats’ at MTV VMA 2023, Defeating Burna, Davido, and More ( Watch Video)
Rema, the Nigerian singer, delivered an inspiring speech upon winning the prestigious title of “Best Afrobeats” at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. This category, newly introduced, recognized his remixed single “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, as the standout track in the Afrobeats genre.
In a fierce competition that included Afrobeats luminaries like Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, Fire Boy, Ayra Starr, and Labianca, Rema emerged victorious during the award ceremony held in Newark, New Jersey, on the evening of September 12.
The award was presented to Rema and Gomez by the renowned comedian Tiffany Haddish, acknowledging the immense success of their hit collaboration, “Calm Down.”
During his acceptance speech, Rema took a moment to pay tribute to the pioneers and trailblazers who paved the way for young artists in the industry. He specifically mentioned icons such as the late Fela Kuti, Don Jazzy, and D’Prince (his label heads), along with influential figures like Tuface Idibia, D’Banj, Timaya, Runtown, Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. Rema’s speech celebrated these legends for their contributions to the Afrobeats genre and their instrumental role in creating opportunities for emerging talents like himself.