Rema Shuts Down Accor Arena: How Nigeria’s Afrobeat Star Owned Paris with Shallipopi & Zerrydl!

On June 28, 2025, Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Rema transformed the Accor Arena in Paris into a pulsating hub of Naija energy during a show-stopping concert that capped off Paris Fashion Week Men’s Spring/Summer 2026 (SS26). The night reached fever pitch when Rema brought out street-pop heavyweights Shallipopi and Zerrydl for a surprise performance of their hit “Benin Boys,”.

Why Rema’s Paris Show Matters

Rema’s Accor Arena performance was a defining moment for Afrobeat and Nigerian culture. Fresh off his runway debut for 424 Inc’s SS26 show, Rema proved he’s not just a music star but a cultural force. The Shallipopi and Zerrydl collaboration amplified this narrative, showcasing the unity and diversity of Nigeria’s music scene. By inviting rising stars from his home state of Edo, Rema highlighted the depth of talent in Benin City, cementing his role as a mentor and global ambassador.

In a post-show clip shared on X, Rema reflected:

“Paris showed me love, but bringing out my Edo brothers Shallipopi and Zerrydl? That’s family. That’s Naija pride.”

The performance of “Benin Boys,” a track celebrating Edo’s hustle and resilience, resonated deeply with fans, with

@AfrobeatsVibe tweeting, “Rema’s Accor Arena show was a Naija takeover! Shallipopi & Zerrydl made #EdoPride global! 🇳🇬🔥.”

Behind the Scenes: The Electric Vibe at Accor Arena

The @adesope_shopsydoo reel offered fans a front-row view of the concert’s energy, from Rema’s slick dance moves to the crowd’s deafening cheers. Backstage footage showed Rema, Shallipopi, and Zerrydl vibing together, laughing and planning their surprise moment. The arena’s production was top-tier, with Benin-inspired visuals, vibrant LED screens, and Afrobeat rhythms that kept the audience on their feet. Fans on Instagram commented, “Rema’s Paris show was a MOVIE! Shallipopi and Zerrydl brought pure fire! 🔥 #RemaInParis.”

The event also drew a star-studded crowd, with Nigerian artists like Davido and Ayra Starr reportedly in attendance, adding to the night’s prestige.

@NaijaTrendz tweeted, “Rema’s Accor Arena show with Shallipopi & Zerrydl is proof Naija’s running the world! #PFW25.” The performance’s timing during Paris Fashion Week amplified its cultural impact, aligning with Nigeria’s broader takeover of the global stage.

The Bigger Picture: Nigerian Dominance at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week SS26, held from June 24 to June 29, 2025, was a showcase of Nigerian influence, from Rema’s 424 Inc runway walk to Davido’s street-style flex and Zlatan’s ZTTW pop-up. Rema’s Accor Arena concert was the musical climax, blending Afrobeat with the fashion world’s elite energy. The Shallipopi-Zerrydl cameo highlighted the rise of street-pop, a genre gaining global traction alongside Afrobeat.

As @MusicNG posted, “Rema bringing Shallipopi & Zerrydl to Paris is a flex for Naija’s new sound. Street-pop and Afrobeat are unstoppable! #RemaInParis.”

The concert also underscored Rema’s role as a cultural bridge, connecting Nigeria’s street culture with international audiences. His ability to headline a major venue like Accor Arena while uplifting emerging talents like Zerrydl shows why he’s a generational artist.

What Nigerians Are Saying

Fans across Nigeria and the diaspora erupted with pride. On Instagram, the @adesope_shopsydoo reel sparked comments like

“Rema’s Paris show was INSANE! Shallipopi & Zerrydl brought Edo vibes to the world! 🇳🇬🙌” and “#RemaInParis is a Naija takeover! Benin Boys forever! 🔥.” On X, @9jaStarz tweeted, “Rema shutting down Accor Arena with Shallipopi & Zerrydl? That’s Edo excellence! #BeninBoys.”

Nigerian stars joined the hype. Don Jazzy, Rema’s Mavin Records boss, posted,

“My guy @heisrema owned Paris! Big up Shallipopi & Zerrydl for the #EdoPride flex! 💪.”

The hashtags #RemaInParis, #BeninBoys, and #EdoPride dominated social media, with fans sharing clips of the trio’s performance and celebrating Nigeria’s global influence.

Why Rema’s Paris Moment Resonates

Rema’s Accor Arena show resonated for several reasons:

1.  Edo Pride: By featuring Shallipopi and Zerrydl, Rema put Benin City on the global map, celebrating Edo’s cultural richness.

2.  Afrobeat Leadership: At 25, Rema’s ability to headline a major international venue while uplifting new talent cements his status as an Afrobeat pioneer.

3.  Cultural Fusion: The concert, tied to Paris Fashion Week, blended music and fashion, showcasing Nigeria’s multifaceted influence.

4.  Global Impact: Rema’s performance reinforced Afrobeat’s dominance, with Shallipopi and Zerrydl amplifying the genre’s street-pop evolution.

What’s Next for Rema, Shallipopi, and Zerrydl?

Rema’s Paris triumph has fans buzzing about his next moves. Rumors of a HEIS deluxe album with potential Shallipopi and Zerrydl features are swirling, while a global tour is reportedly in the works. Shallipopi, riding high off his Plutomania Records success, teased new music on X, saying, “Paris was lit! More Pluto vibes dropping soon! 🔥.” Zerrydl, whose star is rising fast, is set to release a new single, with fans hoping for more collaborations with Rema.

The trio’s chemistry has sparked calls for a Mavin x Plutomania joint project, with @AfrobeatBuzz tweeting, “Rema, Shallipopi, & Zerrydl need a full Benin Boys EP! Paris proved they’re unstoppable! 🇳🇬.