At the recent Rema concert in Toronto, the Nigerian star showed why he’s The King of The Rave and the Future of Afro Beats.
On May 11, 2025, Nigerian born superstar Rema lit up Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena during the final stop of his “HEIS” World Tour. The sold-out crowd, buzzing with anticipation, welcomed Afrobeats’ chosen voice that is leading the new school of artists out of the continent.
The show began with a dramatic visual display—thick red fog, strobes, and cinematic sound effects set the mood. As Rema appeared from the middle of the stage wielding a sword fit for a king. The crowd erupted and the atmosphere surged with energy. He opened the show with his high energy track “AZAMAN” from his 2024 album HEIS, establishing early on that this concert would be more than just a show, but a statement of his self- proclaimed identity as the leader of the new school and a display of unique creative vision.
Throughout the night, Rema’s setlist weaved between early breakout hits and more experimental new material. Tracks like “HEHEHE” and “OZEBA” rang through the arena with raw intensity, blending Afrobeats with rock and trap influences. Meanwhile, the live performance of “Baby (Is It a Crime)”, one of his most recent chart-toppers, highlighted a softer, more introspective side of his songwriting, drawing the crowd into a more intimate space, especially with the ladies in the building.
The overall production quality of the concert was top-tier and second to none. It was by far one of the best shows that I have had the pleasure of witnessing. Visually, the show was rich with cultural symbolism and medieval aesthetics, matching the vibe and vision of the album. Gothic motifs blended seamlessly with traditional patterns, while the choreography and lighting design elevated each track to theatrical heights. Dancers moved in sync with the emotional shifts of the music, while the stage design constantly evolved, keeping the audience visually engaged from start to finish.
What really cemented the night, was Rema’s rapport with the crowd. Simply put, Toronto loves Rema. He spoke candidly between songs, expressing gratitude and sharing snippets of his personal journey. Despite the scale of the venue, he created moments that felt personal, even reflective. His ability to balance the massive crowd while keeping the energy high is part of what makes him such an amazing live performer.
Of course, no Rema concert would be complete without fan-favorite anthems “Dumebi”, “Woman”, and the global smash hit “Calm Down” all drew massive reactions, with the crowd screaming along to every word. The multi-platinum success of these songs, especially in markets like Canada and the U.S., was felt in full force as the arena transformed into a collective celebration.
Rema’s Toronto stop was a triumphant celebration of musical innovation, cultural pride, and personal authenticity. Pushing boundaries while staying true to his Nigerian roots, Rema reminded everyone why he’s not just another artist, but lives true as the leader of the new school for the global Afrobeats movement.
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