Angélique Kidjo Hails Rema’s Rise on Global Stage

Beninese-French singer-songwriter and Grammy-award winning icon, Angélique Kidjo, has praised Nigerian Afrobeats star, Rema.

The singer lauded Rema for his global success, stating that he embodies the global takeover of the Afrobeats genre of music.

While speaking about the artist’s latest honor, the TIME 100 Next honors, Kidjo revealed her love for Rema’s song, stating that it reflects African originality.

“I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down. It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop,” Kidjo wrote. “It is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it. The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much. Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture,” she wrote on Instagram.

Rema in turn, responded to the praises with a comment on the post.

Gratitude Queen. I’m honored,” he wrote.