Benin’s Rema and Shallipopi have made history with their new collaboration, Benin Boys. The song gathered over 1 million streams on its first day of release on Spotify, making it the first African song released in 2024 to hit this milestone. Also, it is the first collaboration between African acts to hit 1 million streams on its first day of release.
Rema is one of the biggest stars in Afrobeats. He is known for his hit songs Dumebi and Iron Man. Shallipopi is a rising star in the music scene. He is known for his style of music that occasionally borrows from traditional Benin rhythms, mixing with modern Afrobeats.
The collaboration between Rema and Shallipopi is a perfect match. The two artistes complement each other perfectly, and their chemistry is undeniable. Benin Boys is a song that is expected to be a hit all over Africa and beyond.
Additionally, the 24-year-olds, Rema and Shallipopi, both hail from Benin City, Edo State.
Rema grew up in Benin and didn’t leave the city until 2018 when he moved to Lagos to sign with Mavin Records and begin his career.
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The song Benin Boys was written by Rema, Shallipopi, and Agada Prince Oyada. Significantly, it is also the first time Rema features a Nigerian artiste in his song. Shortly after the song dropped, the two artistes released an accompanying music video for the track.
Furthermore, it’s important to note that Rema has always incorporated elements of his Benin origin into his music, especially in his visuals.
Symbolism in his visuals
During Rema’s performance at the 02 Arena, he made a grand entrance on a massive prop of a black horse, wearing a long black cape and a mask. This was an homage to Queen Idia, a beloved figure from the middle-aged Benin Kingdom. The British Museum still houses an important bronze bust of her head, taken during colonial times. Rema’s performance paid tribute to her legacy.
Additionally, later during the concert, Rema rode a giant bat over the crowd. An animal that is honoured in Benin City. Despite Illuminati accusations, he clarified that the symbolism was rooted in his Benin culture.
