Famous Nigerian Afrobeat singer Rema has addressed the rumors surrounding his reported $3 million performance fee at the extravagant wedding of Anant Ambani, the son of Asia’s richest man Mukesh Ambani, and Radhika Merchant, daughter of prominent pharmaceutical tycoons Viren and Shaila Merchant.
Rema’s performance at the high-profile event, which took place on July 12 at the Jio World Centre in Mumbai, drew significant media attention.
According to the Hindustan Times, the singer was allegedly paid $3 million to perform his global hit “Calm Down” at the grand celebration.
In a recent interview with GRM, Rema was asked to confirm the reported figure.
“Is it true you got paid $3 million for Ambani’s wedding in India?” the interviewer asked.
Rema responded with a laugh, saying:
“Hehehe. That’s all I can say, to be honest. Money-wise, it was great, but overall, the experience was incredible. It was beautiful.”
“I love India, and India loves me, too. It’s amazing to see something that people once trolled and criticized me for, now bringing me so much success.
“Imagine if I had stopped, if I had listened to the trolls online and changed my sound.
“Four years later, it’s paying off, and there’s even more to come. India is a huge market. I’m actually the first Afrobeat artist to tour India. I might even be the first African artist to do so, though I could be mistaken, so forgive me if I’m wrong. But it’s a big deal.
“It’s not just about the wedding; it’s about the reception I get everywhere I go. I remember when I was touring India, I didn’t even know how people recognized me. Everywhere I went, even just to eat, there were paparazzi. It’s even crazier than the love I get in Nigeria.”