By Emeka Blast 
Rema Surprises Kelebu Dance Winners with Visit, $10K Prize, and Future Collaboration
Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian Afrobeats superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has fulfilled his promise to personally meet the winners of his viral Kelebu Dance Challenge, the TikTok dance trio POP Boys. In a heartwarming gesture, the “Calm Down” hitmaker not only awarded the group their $10,000 cash prize but also flew to their location to celebrate their creativity and work ethic, further cementing his reputation as an artist deeply connected to his fans.
A Personal Celebration with POP Boys
On August 25, 2025, Rema met the POP Boys in person, a moment that sent social media into a frenzy with clips of the encounter circulating widely. The meeting followed the group’s victory in the Kelebu Dance Challenge, launched alongside Rema’s high-energy single “Kelebu” on July 26, 2025. The challenge, which offered $10,000 for the best easy-to-learn dance routine, saw thousands of entries under the #KelebuDanceChallenge hashtag, but the POP Boys’ vibrant and infectious choreography stood out, earning them the top spot.
Rema, visibly moved by the trio’s dedication, praised their hustle, noting that they continued working their regular jobs while awaiting his arrival. “I’m proud of these guys for staying true to their grind,” Rema said during the meet-up. “They didn’t stop working just because I was coming – that’s real.” The Mavin Records star handed over the $10,000 prize, equivalent to approximately ₦16 million, in a heartfelt moment that left the POP Boys elated.
A Promise for the Spotlight
Beyond the cash prize, Rema announced that the POP Boys will feature in the official music video for “Kelebu,” a track that blends Afrobeats with Caribbean and Francophone influences like coupé-décalé and makossa. The song, currently climbing charts with a #9 spot on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, has been a summer staple, amplified by its viral dance challenge. Rema also offered the group a personal video call and encouraged them to reach out for further support, saying, “Let me know how I can help you guys shine even more.”
The POP Boys expressed their gratitude on social media, with one member stating, “This is a dream come true! Thank you, Rema, for believing in us.” Fans flooded platforms like X and Instagram with praise, with comments like “Rema is real for this!” and “POP Boys are about to blow up!” trending alongside clips of the meeting.
A Cultural Movement
The Kelebu Dance Challenge, sparked by Rema’s July 27 X post promising “$10K for whoever comes up with an EASY dance for KELEBU,” generated over 14,500 TikTok videos and became one of the summer’s biggest social media moments. The initiative not only promoted the song but also showcased Rema’s commitment to engaging fans creatively, a hallmark of his career since his 2019 breakout.
This latest gesture underscores Rema’s role as a global ambassador for Afrobeats, blending music with cultural connection. As the POP Boys prepare for their music video debut, fans eagerly await the next chapter of “Kelebu’s” journey, proving once again that Rema isn’t just making hits—he’s creating movements.
