Afrobeat sensation, Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has traced his ancestry to Oba of Benin Palace in Benin City, reflecting on memory of his forebears.
The popular artist could not contain his excitement during his courtesy call on Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin, on Thursday.
Addressing the Benin throne, Rema solicited for prayer and blessings ahead of his first Nigerian concert this weekend in Benin City, Edo State capital.
The Afrobeat star said he was in Edo State for his maiden concert in Benin City after five years of performance outside Nigeria.
Rema also showered praises on Oba Ewuare II, who in a rare move, blessed him in the presence of Benin Chiefs, who joined the Oba to welcome the Edo’s illustrious son.
The occasion was witnessed by members of the Benin Royal family; Oba Ewuare’s children and grand-children — in a rare public appearance, in solidarity with Rema.
“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,” Rema said before the Benin monarch.
“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,” he said.
Responding, Omo N’ Oba N’ Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Ewuare II, the Oba of Benin said the Palace will continually remember Rema in prayer for promoting the Edo cultural heritage at home and diaspora.
According to the first-class traditional ruler, who spoke in Edo language, “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,” Oba Ewuare II prayed!
Prince Idugbowa Ewuare also came prepared for the singer who emblazoned his signature on his shirt.
An impromptu non-instrumental music performance of the popular track ‘Calm Down’, by Rema, electrified the arena and became a motivation for his fans, who craved for more.
This was heralded by photoshoot by Rema with some children of the Oba.
On the sidelines, palace officials and prominent loyal subjects of Oba Ewuare II showcased Ugho traditional dancing skills and oratory display to capture mood of the event.
The mesmerizing nifty footwork dance was characterized with shaking of wrist joints, body and head to music beats by drummers.
The highpoint was a presentation of Oba of Benin bronze mugshot to the Edo-born singer by Princess Oghogho Ewuare on behalf of her father.