Rema, the Afrobeats star, has stirred mixed reactions online after showing up late for his Coachella performance.
The ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker was scheduled to perform for 45 minutes but arrived 30 minutes late.
When he finally took to the stage, Rema lip-synced poorly at first before singing some of his hit songs, including ‘Calm Down’.
However, his performance ended abruptly when he decided to play a different song, leaving the audience confused.
The incident drew a wave of mixed reactions on social media, with some users criticising Rema for being “tardy”.
Others defended the singer, speculating that he might have been dealing with an unexpected issue backstage.
Reacting, a user wrote: “The Rema set at Coachella is a disaster. 20 mins in and Rema Is nowhere to be found. The DJ has been hyping the crowd while the band just stares at each other. It’s the DJ’s set at this point.”
The Rema set at Coachella is a disaster. 20 mins in and Rema Is nowhere to be found. The DJ has been hyping the crowd while the band just stares at each other. It’s the DJ’s set at this point.
—Carlos (@OsoFresh138) April 14, 2025
Another user said: “What just happened? Rema has been affected by something that happened backstage. This is not him. But you can tell he is trying.”
What just happened? Rema has been affected by something that happened backstage. This is not him. But you can tell he is trying. #REMACHELLA
—Uppity African🇿🇦 (@past_427201) April 14, 2025
See some reactions below:
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This Rema’s DJ Afrobeat set is fire but this is not why we are here 😭 #REMACHELLA
—MR ROLLOUT©️ (@OreoluwaPeters) April 14, 2025
What just happened? Rema has been affected by something that happened backstage. This is not him. But you can tell he is trying. #REMACHELLA
—Uppity African🇿🇦 (@past_427201) April 14, 2025
Rema’s performance was too short, I needed more😩#REMACHELLA
—Claire🎀 (@Slimshawty56764) April 14, 2025
Wait did they carry this Eko Hotel nonsense to coachella? Because which one is DJ saying “I just got word Rema just stepped on stage”
This is the 5th time he’s saying this #REMACHELLA
—MR ROLLOUT©️ (@OreoluwaPeters) April 14, 2025
So is Rema going to perform for 20 minutes or what? #REMACHELLA pic.twitter.com/TFtNSNDmQp
—Nannette (@nannette251) April 14, 2025
Your set is 45 min and you’re 20 min late come on now. Du talking about its almost show time 💀 #REMACHELLA
—jem the uppity congolese (@jemiiihhh) April 14, 2025
Rema had a great set even with the complications he had. 🦇❤️
Azaman, Favorite Girl Remix, Soweto Remix, Calm Down, Charm, DND, Bout U, Baby (Is It A Crime)
—The Tour continues! #HEISWorldTour2025
—genio✭ (@justabdulmuqsit) April 14, 2025
The 2025 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival, where Rema performed, took place at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, California.
The festival will be held over two consecutive weekends, from April 11 to 13 and 18 to 20.