Nigerian Afrobeats megastar Rema recently addressed the viral reports claiming he was paid a whopping $3 million to perform at the wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of pharmaceutical tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant. The grand event, held on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, made headlines worldwide, with Rema’s performance being one of the standout moments.
According to reports from “Hindustan Times”, the singer was handsomely compensated for performing his global hit song “Calm Down” at the high-profile wedding. The $3 million figure quickly sparked widespread conversation on social media, with fans and critics alike speculating on the veracity of the claim.
In a recent interview with GRM, Rema was directly asked about the rumored payment.
Interviewer: “Is it true you got paid $3 million for Ambani’s Wedding in India?”
Rema: “[Laughs] That’s what I can say, to be honest. Money-wise, but overall, it was a great treatment. It was beautiful.”
Rema’s coy response neither confirmed nor denied the exact amount, but he did reflect on the experience of performing in India and the journey that brought him there.
“I love India. India loves me, too. And it’s just beautiful to see something that people trolled me for, criticised me for. And now, I’m benefiting from that,”
He touched on the backlash he faced earlier in his career, hinting that staying true to his sound has ultimately led to his current success.
“Imagine if I stopped. Imagine if I actually listened to the trolls online and switched up my sound. Four years later, it paid and still paying and more to come. India is a huge territory,”
Rema also expressed pride in being a trailblazer, noting,
“I’m actually the first Afrobeats artiste to tour India. I’m even probably the first African if I’m not wrong, but if I’m mistaking, please, forgive me. But it’s a huge deal.”
The singer emphasized that his Indian experience wasn’t just about the wedding but also the overwhelming reception he received throughout the country.
“It’s not just about the wedding. It’s about the reception everywhere I go. I remember when I was touring India, I didn’t even know how they knew. When I go anywhere just to eat, it’s just paparazzi. It’s crazier than the love in Nigeria.”
Rema’s success in India underscores the global reach of Afrobeats and the growing influence of Nigerian artists on the world stage. Whether or not the $3 million figure is accurate, one thing is clear—Rema’s star power is undeniable, and his international appeal continues to soar.
