Nigerian Afrobeat sensation, Rema, has finally spoken out regarding the rumors that he was paid a staggering $3 million to perform at the opulent wedding of Anant Ambani, son of Asia’s wealthiest man, Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of well-known pharmaceutical magnates, Viren and Shaila Merchant.
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The event, which took place on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, attracted considerable media attention, particularly because of Rema’s performance of his global hit “Calm Down.”
According to reports from the Hindustan Times, the singer allegedly received $3 million for his appearance at the grand celebration. In a recent interview with GRM, Rema was asked to confirm the rumored fee.
The interviewer directly questioned him, asking, “Is it true you got paid $3 million for Ambani’s Wedding in India?”
In response, Rema laughed and remarked that while he couldn’t speak specifically about the money, the overall experience was exceptional.
He expressed his fondness for India, saying that the country has a deep love for him, just as he has for it. He found it rewarding that something he had been criticized for in the past was now bringing him success.
Rema reflected on how he faced criticism and trolling online when he first started, but despite the negativity, he stayed true to his sound. Four years later, he is reaping the rewards and expects even more success in the future.
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Rema also highlighted the significance of his connection with India, noting that he is possibly the first Afrobeat artist—and perhaps the first African artist—to tour the country. He emphasized that his experience in India went beyond the wedding performance, recalling the overwhelming reception he received wherever he went.
He shared memories of being surrounded by paparazzi, even when simply going out to eat, describing the love he received in India as even more intense than what he experiences in Nigeria.
In his own words:
“Hehehe. That’s what I can say, to be honest. Money-wise, but overall, it was a great treatment. It was beautiful.”
“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.
“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. 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.
“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.”
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