Singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has responded to accusations labeling him as a member of the ‘satanic/Illuminati.’
Attendees at his headline concert at London’s 02 Arena on November 14 claimed that the symbols he incorporated in his performance suggested an affiliation with a satanic group.
Rema, who successfully filled the 20,000-seat 02 Arena on Tuesday, now stands among Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy, and Asake as one of the few Africans to achieve this feat at the world’s busiest music arena.
Responding through his X (formerly Twitter) handle, the Edo-born superstar clarified that the artificial horse he used on stage was modeled after a Benin artifact, and the mask he wore replicated the renowned Queen Idia mask.
The artificial bat he rode on stage during his second appearance was said to be a homage to the bats that dot the Edo night sky.
Sharing a clip from his controversial concert, Rema wrote: “RAVAGE UPRISING/ My Ancestors’ bronzes sit in the museum of this very city, so I remade mine. Hence, Edo is redefined, the map reshaped, your minds awakened & the mask reborn. Thank you, London!”
Meanwhile, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has extended congratulations to Rema for the successful sold-out concert at London’s 02 Arena.
He said the people of the state are proud of Rema, “especially his personification of the Edo heritage.”
On his X handle, Obaseki wrote: “We are indeed proud of the enigma of @heisrema and what he has come to represent, especially his personification of the Edo heritage. We applaud his genius and celebrate him as he takes the world stage by storm.”