Image: COURTESY
There is an old adage that states, 'a prophet isn't welcomed in their home town,' or something along those lines. And Nigerian Afro beats star Rema feels he's a living testament of that saying.
According to the 'Calm Down' hitmaker, he is not as celebrated in his home country Nigeria as he is in other parts of the world, such as India... a nation he terms as his biggest support system.
Speaking during a recent interview he had with GRM Daily, Rema opened up about the unprecedented positive reception he has received in India which surpasses anything he has ever experienced in Nigeria.
It all began when the host inquired about Rema's recent multi-million-dollar performance at the Ambani wedding in India,"It was rumoured that you were paid 3 million dollars for the Ambani wedding; can you confirm or deny?" The host asked.
Responding to this, the 24-year-old said, "Hehehe, that's all I can say money wise.
But it was a great treatment. I love India and India loves me too, and it's just beautiful to see something that people trolled me for and criticised me for, and I'm benefiting from that."
Expounding on his above statement the Grammy winner shared he used to receive quite a lot of negative criticism in regard to his sound. Luckily for him, he found a way to tune it all of and boy is he glad he did.
"Imagine if I stopped and listened to the trolls; four years later, it paid and it paid big and more to come.
It's a huge territory and I'm actually the first person to tour India from the Afro beats space and it's a huge deal. It's not just about the wedding; it's about the reception everywhere I go," the artist firmly stated.
Finishing up, Rema opened up on how the celebrity culture in the Asian nation is insane. Adding it made him feel so much love, more than his home country has ever given him over the years he's been in the music industry.
"I remember when I was touring India, I don't even know how they know, but when I go anywhere to eat or something, there is paparazzi everywhere. It's crazier than the love in Nigeria and over the years.
I heard a lot about the racism and I've spoken to black people in India. But to see the stereotype being taken away though music is beautiful," the 'Charm' hitmaker said.
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