Nigerian afrobeats megastar Rema has finally responded to viral reports that he was paid $3 million to perform at the wedding of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani’s son, Anant Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, the daughter of pharma tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.
The Reporter recalls that Rema made headlines after performing at Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s wedding on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) in Mumbai.
As per Hindustan Times, Rema was paid $3 million to perform his global hit song ‘Calm Down’ at the event.
In a recent interview with GRM, Rema was asked to address the viral report.
Interviewer: “Is it true you were paid $3 million for Ambani’s wedding in India?”
Rema: “Hehehe. That’s all I can say about the money, to be honest. But overall, the experience was great. It was beautiful.
“I love India, and India loves me too. It’s amazing to see how something I was trolled and criticized for is now benefiting me.
“Imagine if I had stopped. Imagine if I had listened to the online trolls and changed my sound.”
Four years later, it paid off and continues to do so, with more to come. India is a huge territory. I’m actually the first afrobeats artist to tour India. I might even be the first African to do so, but if I’m mistaken, please forgive me. But it’s a big deal.
“It’s not just about the wedding. It’s about the reception I get everywhere I go. When I was touring India, I didn’t even know how they recognized me. Whenever I went out to eat, there were paparazzi everywhere. The love there is even crazier than in Nigeria.”