Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, made headlines following his electrifying performance at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York on May 2nd, 2025. Rema paid tribute to his late father and brother. Alongside this emotional gesture, the “Calm Down” crooner stirred the music industry with his bold claim: “No more Big 3, there’s now a Big 4.”
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Rema’s MSG show marked a significant milestone in his career, as highlighted in a web result from www.msg.com, which announced the concert date. After the performance, Rema took a moment to honor his late father and brother, who passed away when he was just eight years old.
Rema has previously commemorated his late family members by incorporating their pictures into a luxurious gold chain pendant, a gesture that moved fans deeply. His tribute at MSG further solidified his connection with his audience, showing a vulnerable side to the global superstar who has been dominating charts since his breakout in 2019.
In the same post, Rema made a bold statement that has sparked widespread debate: “No more Big 3, there’s now a Big 4.” This echoes his earlier comments in his 2024 song “Hehehe,” where he asserted his place among Nigeria’s music elite. Traditionally, the “Big 3” in Afrobeats refers to Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid, artists who have consistently dominated the industry for over a decade with Grammy wins, sold-out global tours, and massive fanbases.
Rema’s claim to be part of a new “Big 4” reflects his confidence in his achievements. Since his debut in 2019, he has made an undeniable impact, with hits like “Calm Down” achieving international success. Joseph Abiagom, President of Aristokrat Group, supported Rema’s, stating, “The machinery behind him already makes him one of Nigeria’s biggest artists.”
The “Big 4” declaration reignited discussions about Rema’s place in the Afrobeats hierarchy. In a related thread by @i_amesto, posted earlier on May 3rd, 2025, a user criticized Rema’s recent work, stating, “Giving Rema a title at this early stage is not so good for his career, title kills hard work and it’s obvious that he’s very lazy judging with his OZEBA and HEHEHE record.” The user argued that Rema’s potential from 2019 is fading due to poor management and rivalry, contrasting his trajectory with that of Asake, who has also risen to international fame under YBNL.
