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On Saturday night, the 24-year-old superstar brought his HEIS World Tour to the O2 Arena in London, welcoming 20,000 people to his presence. From the opening drop to the final bow, the Benin-born artist delivered a high-octane, performance people described as best known to our generation.
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Rema’s sophomore album HEIS, released in July 2024, introduced a darker, more experimental side to the artist. While his global smash “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez established his pop credentials, HEIS is a different beast; part dreamscape, part confessional, steeped in bold sonic direction.
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At the O2, that mood was fully realized. The stage design evoked a dystopian fantasy world, incorporating his Edo background with futuristic textures—think mist, fire bursts, masked dancers, and blood-red lightwork. It has become the staple experience when watching Rema live.
The crowd roared when J Hus emerged midway through the show, grinning as the two artists traded verses and salutes. Moments later, D’banj appeared, launching the vibe into full throwback mode, while Buju and Darkoo added to the lineup of unannounced guests.
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But Rema still managed to outdo himself: at one point, he gifted a fan a Birkin bag live on stage, a moment that instantly went viral across X and TikTok. The gesture, equal parts flex and love note to his audience reinforced what fans already know: Rema loves his babes.
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While the official setlist hasn’t been released, the show leaned heavily into HEIS, with standout performances of ”Baby (Is It a Crime?)”, “MARCH AM”, and ”Bout U”, interspersed with crowd-shaking classics like “Soundgasm,” “Ginger Me,” and, of course, “Calm Down.”
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His vocals were sharp, his movement precise, and the energy unrelenting. The O2 may have seen bigger pyrotechnics, but rarely has it seen this kind of cultural authority from a Nigerian act.
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This wasn’t Rema’s first time in London, but it might’ve been his most complete. The city showed up dressed in mesh, leather, and sheer fabrics; there were Damson Idris sightings, Mavin Records in full force, and style blogs already calling it “the best-dressed crowd of the summer.”
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By the time the Rave Lord exited the stage— shirt off, sweat dripping, grin wide. It was made known that HEIS is a connective experience, and we’re all living in it now.
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