Rema beats Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, others as first Nigerian to perform at Ballon d’Or

Afrobeats singer Rema

Singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first Nigerian artiste to perform at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, beating the likes of Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid and Tiwa Savage.

The 23-year-old performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France, on Monday night.

Rema thrilled the audience with a performance of his hit song, ‘Calm Down.’

The award organisers shared a clip of his electrifying performance via their verified X handle with the caption; “Calm Down!

“@heisrema takes on the stage of the Ballon d’Or!”

Rema also posted a video of his performance via Instagram, expressing gratitude to God.

“Afrobeat in Ballon d’Or, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity. Glory to the most high for the grace,” he wrote.

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Meanwhile, Nigerian and Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has been ranked 8th Best Player in the world at the ceremony.

Osihmen became one of the few Nigerians to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or and went a step further by making the top ten.

Osimhen was in impressive form for the Italian side as they clinched the Serie A title for the first time in 33 years. He won the Pichichi – the highest goalscorer prize – last season as the Naples team emerged winners of the league.

The 24-year-old scored 25 goals to become the first African to win the prize.