Popular Nigerian music sensation, Rema‘s upcoming show in Ethiopia has reportedly been canceled according to several sources.
The music star was set to perform in Ethiopia on September 9, 2023, at the Sheraton Hotel in Addis Ababa. The cancellation, according to multiple sources, is attributed to the hotel’s management, who cited religious concerns as the primary reason.
Rema, a rising star in the Nigerian music scene, recently unveiled a striking necklace that prominently features an image of an inverted, burning church and inverted crosses. The provocative design has led to accusations that the musician is a devil worshipper.
Reports suggest that the image on Rema’s necklace deeply offended the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and the Ethiopian public, prompting the hotel to take swift action by canceling the singer’s show.
An Ethiopian woman, who recently appeared on Nigerian media personality Daddy Freeze’s Instagram live show, shed light on the controversy surrounding Rema’s canceled concert in her homeland. She revealed that an official press statement was issued in Ethiopia regarding Rema’s necklace, expressing concerns about his alleged affiliation with devil worship.
In her own words, she said, “They made a statement, like a press release in Ethiopia about Rema. Yes, you can imagine, it’s a very big deal. They’re basically saying he is worshipping the devil because of what he has on his neck. And to be honest, I never thought of it myself. And there’s more to it; to be honest.”
"The Ethiopian Orthodox Church canceled Rema’s concert in Ethiopia because of his Necklace looks like Juju” pic.twitter.com/xpXB1bJj9j
— 90pluslyrics ✪ (@90pluslyrics) September 8, 2023
The cancellation of Rema’s concert in Ethiopia has generated significant discussion and controversy across social media platforms, with fans and music enthusiasts expressing various opinions on the matter.
Rema, known for his unique blend of afrobeats and R&B, had been eagerly anticipated by Ethiopian fans, who had purchased tickets and were looking forward to his performance. However, the cancellation leaves his Ethiopian fans disappointed and curious about the fate of the controversial necklace that triggered the uproar.
As the controversy continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Rema and his management will respond to the cancellation and allegations of devil worship.
This incident serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between art, expression, and cultural sensitivities in the world of entertainment.