Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has performed at two of football’s most prestigious events within three years: the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris and the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles. These appearances have strengthened his position as one of Africa’s biggest music exports and one of the few African artists trusted to perform on football’s largest global stages.
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Did Rema Perform at the Ballon d’Or and the FIFA World Cup?
Yes.
Rema performed at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony, becoming the first African artist to perform at the event. He later returned to football’s global spotlight in 2026 when FIFA selected him to perform at the World Cup opening ceremony alongside international stars LISA and Anitta.
The two performances happened at different events but carried a similar message: Afrobeats has become a major force in global entertainment, and Rema is one of the artists leading that movement.
What Happened at the 2023 Ballon d’Or Ceremony?
The 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony took place in Paris, France, bringing together football’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland, and Jude Bellingham.
During the event, Rema performed his global hit song “Calm Down”, one of the most successful Afrobeats songs in history.
His appearance was historic because no African artist had previously performed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony. The performance introduced Afrobeats to an audience filled with football legends, club executives, journalists, and millions of viewers watching around the world.
At the time, “Calm Down” had already become a worldwide phenomenon, dominating charts across several countries and helping Rema reach new audiences outside Africa.
Why Was the Ballon d’Or Performance Important?
Many fans viewed the performance as a major moment for African music.
The Ballon d’Or is regarded as football’s most prestigious individual awards ceremony. Being invited to perform placed Rema alongside some of the world’s most recognizable athletes and entertainers.
The moment showed that Afrobeats was no longer limited to African audiences. It had become part of mainstream global culture.
For Nigerian music fans, it was another sign that local artists could compete for attention on the same stage as international superstars.
Did Rema Perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Opening Ceremony?
Yes.
FIFA confirmed that Rema would perform during the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Los Angeles.
He joined Thai superstar LISA and Brazilian singer Anitta for the live debut of the tournament’s official anthem.
The opening ceremony attracted a worldwide audience, making it one of the biggest performances of Rema’s career.
The FIFA World Cup remains the most-watched sporting competition on the planet, with billions of viewers following the tournament across television, streaming platforms, and social media.
What Did Rema’s World Cup Appearance Mean for Afrobeats?
Rema’s World Cup performance represented another major achievement for Afrobeats.
For years, African artists fought for recognition on international stages. Today, artists from Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and other African countries are being featured at global sporting events, award shows, and music festivals.
Rema’s selection showed how much influence African music now carries worldwide.
His presence at the World Cup opening ceremony also exposed Afrobeats to millions of football fans who may not regularly follow African music.
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How Has Rema’s Global Career Grown?
Rema’s rise has been one of the most remarkable success stories in modern African music.
After breaking into the mainstream with songs like “Dumebi,” he continued building international momentum through releases such as “Soundgasm,” “Holiday,” and “Calm Down.”
The remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez became a global hit and helped push his music into major markets across North America, Europe, Asia, and Latin America.
His performances at the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Cup can be seen as milestones in that journey.
They reflect how far he has come from being a promising Nigerian artist to becoming a global entertainer trusted with some of the world’s most watched events.
Frequently Asked Questions
Was Rema the first African artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or?
Yes. Rema became the first African artist to perform at the Ballon d’Or ceremony when he took the stage in 2023.
What song did Rema perform at the Ballon d’Or?
He performed his global hit song “Calm Down.”
Did Rema perform at the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony?
Yes. FIFA selected Rema to perform at the opening ceremony alongside LISA and Anitta.
Where was the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony held?
The opening ceremony took place in Los Angeles, United States.
Why is Rema’s World Cup performance important?
The FIFA World Cup attracts one of the largest audiences in the world. Performing at the event gave Rema and Afrobeats exposure to millions of viewers globally.
Reported by Anything Celebrity – Nigeria’s hub for entertainment gist and celebrity updates.
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