International Afrobeat sensation, Rema, etched his name in history as he graced the stage at the 2023 Ballon d'Or awards, becoming the first Nigerian artist to do so. His performance of the chart-topping hit "Calm Down" left a lasting impact on the global audience, but it was his selective handshakes that sent shockwaves through the football world.
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| Moment Rema shared a handshake with other football stars but snubbed Lionel Messi. Photo credit: @heisrema/@ballondorofficial Source: legit.ng |
In a star-studded evening, Rema shared hearty handshakes with luminaries of the football realm, including Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr, Erling Haaland, and Bernardo Silva. However, one notable absence in his handshake roster was none other than the legendary Lionel Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.
Watch the video below:
As the video of this omission made its way across social media, fans and pundits alike couldn't help but weigh in on Rema's bold gesture.
Here are some of the reactions that followed his show-stopping performance:
@gossipmillnaija:
"Rema, you are officially the number 1 artiste in Africa!!! Periodt!!! No one comes close!!! First African artiste to Perform at the Avalon D’or!!! Grammy Loading!!!"
@mrmacaroni1:
"Proud Moment For us all."
@funnybroscomedy:
"GLOBAL."
@josephmazino:
"Speed was vibing hard."
@mavinrecords:
"Global Ambassador!"
@crayonthis:
"Big W for our country! Big W for Africa! Big W for Afrobeat!! Big W for us all."
@didi_couture1:
"The handshakes were necessary."
@sheyebanks:
"Global superstar. God is kind."
Rema's electrifying performance and his intriguing choice to forego a handshake with Messi have undoubtedly set the stage for further discussions, as the young Afrobeat sensation continues his ascent to global stardom.