The Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation (CBAAC), on Thursday commended Nigerian afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, for an outstanding performance during the 2023 Ballon d’Or awards held in Paris, France.
Its Director-General, Mrs Oluwabunmi Amao, who recounted how electrifying Rema’s performance was, said Africans had contributed significantly to global arts and entertainment growth over the years.
Watch Rema’s performance at 2023 Ballon d’Or:
Amao, during the 2023 Black History Month celebration organised by the centre with the theme, “The Contributions of Africans to the Arts”, noted that quite a number of blacks had continued to make notable contributions to the growth of arts.
The programme, held at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife in Osun State, was done virtually and physically.
She said just like in the sciences and engineering, black Africa had made giant strides in the arts and its different facets such as music, literature, fashion, filmmaking, performing arts and many others in the modern world.
“I had the opportunity of watching the performance of Rema at the World largest football award ceremony, the 2023 Ballon d’Or, and indeed it was a very proud moment for me as an African and a Nigerian.
“I watched with admiration how Rema held his audience spellbound at this prestigious event.
“Indeed, this was a typical example of the contributions of Africans in the area of music and it is little wonder that many believe music is Africa’s and Nigeria’s biggest export in the creative industry.
“It is only right that we continue to recognise, celebrate and honour Africans who have made significant contributions not just in the arts but in the various facets of live,” she said.
Amao noted that the black history month celebration had been deliberately organised to create platform for advocacy to the children.
She urged students present to take pride in their Africanness and black identity.
“I want you all to be conscious of the fact that your African identity is never a limitation to what you can achieve and become in life.
“Please take deliberate efforts to acquaint yourselves with African history.
“We have carefully instituted this event to celebrate and appreciate black and African history, as well as re-echo the giant strides of Africans over forces of domination, discrimination and exploitation.
“Our celebration of the Black History Month is also geared towards showcasing to the world the tremendous contributions of Black people to world civilisation,” she said.
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