Sensational Nigerian artist, Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, won the maiden “Best Afrobeats Song” category at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey, USA, on Tuesday.
Rema beat out fellow Nigerians Wizkid’s “2 Sugar,” Burna Boy’s “It’s Plenty,” Fireboy and Asake’s “Bandana,” Davido’s “Unavailable,” Ayra Starr’s “Rush,” and Cameroonian singer Libianca’s “People” to become the first-ever winner of the newly established “Best Afrobeats Song” category.
Selena Gomez escorted Rema to the podium to accept his prize.
The 21-year-old crooner, who is currently in the public eye, dedicated his award to the pioneers and icons of afrobeats.
“I want to express my gratitude to my fans. I want to express my gratitude to my colleagues. Strong kudos to Selena [Gomez]. I want to express my deepest affection for you.
“Seeing afrobeats develop and standing on this platform tonight representing afrobeats means so much to me. I’m overjoyed. I will make sure to thank the folks who opened the door for me this evening, though, and that is one thing I won’t forget to do.
“Big shoutout to Fela who started afrobeats, 2Baba, Don Jazzy, D’banj, D’Prince, Runtown, Timaya, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido for opening the door for our new generation of afrobeats,” Rema remarked.
