Rema

Rema

  • Full Name: Divine Ikubor
  • Stage Name: Rema
  • Born: May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
  • Genre: Afrobeats, Afrorave, Hip-Hop, and Trap
  • Label: Mavin Records (signed under Don Jazzy’s record label)
  • Nickname: Rema, Rave Lord

Early Life and Career

  • Rema was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He lost his father and brother at a young age, which deeply impacted his life and music.
  • He started his music career in 2018, gaining attention with freestyle videos on social media. His unique sound and style caught the attention of D’Prince, who introduced him to Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records.
  • In 2019, Rema signed to Mavin Records and released his self-titled debut EP, “Rema”, which featured hits like “Dumebi”, “Iron Man”, and “Corny”.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

  • Rema’s breakthrough came with his debut EP, “Rema”, which quickly gained international recognition. The EP was listed on Barack Obama’s 2019 Summer Playlist, bringing Rema global attention.
  • In 2020, he released two more EPs: “Freestyle” and “Bad Commando”, which further solidified his place in the Afrobeats scene.
  • His 2022 hit single, “Calm Down”, became a global phenomenon, peaking at number 3 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart and earning him his first Grammy nomination.

Musical Style and Influence

  • Rema’s music is a unique blend of Afrobeats, Afrorave, hip-hop, and trap, creating a sound that is both innovative and culturally rich.
  • He is known for his melodic flow, catchy hooks, and introspective lyrics.
  • Rema draws inspiration from a wide range of artists, including Fela Kuti, Wizkid, Travis Scott, and Lil Uzi Vert.

Major Achievements

  • Grammy Nominations:
    • Nominated for Best Global Music Performance for “Calm Down” (2023)
  • Billboard Chart:
    • “Calm Down” peaked at number 3 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart (2022).
  • Awards:
    • Won Best New International Act at the BET Awards (2020).
    • Won Next Rated Artist at The Headies (2020).
  • Streaming Records: Rema is one of the most streamed African artists globally, with billions of streams across platforms.

Notable Songs

  • “Dumebi” (2019)
  • “Iron Man” (2019)
  • “Corny” (2019)
  • “Ginger Me” (2020)
  • “Woman” (2020)
  • “Soundgasm” (2021)
  • “Calm Down” (2022)
  • “Holiday” (2022)
  • “Charm” (2023)

Global Impact

  • Rema has quickly become one of the most sought-after Afrobeats artists, performing at major international events and festivals.
  • His music has been featured in global playlists, and he has collaborated with artists like Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, and 6LACK.
  • Rema’s rise to fame has been described as meteoric, with his unique sound and style captivating audiences worldwide.

Mavin Records

  • Rema is signed to Mavin Records, a record label founded by Nigerian music legend Don Jazzy.
  • Under Mavin, Rema has released hit after hit, solidifying his place as one of the label’s most successful signees.

Activism and Philanthropy

  • Rema is known for his humility and dedication to his craft. While he keeps a low profile regarding activism, his music often reflects themes of perseverance, faith, and self-expression.
  • He has expressed his desire to inspire young Nigerians to pursue their dreams through his music.

Controversies

  • Rema has largely stayed away from controversies, focusing on his music and career.
  • However, his rapid rise to fame has occasionally sparked debates about the authenticity of his success, with some critics questioning his sudden popularity.

Personal Life

  • Rema is known for keeping his personal life private. He rarely shares details about his family or relationships, preferring to let his music speak for itself.

Recent Updates (2023)

  • Rema released his debut studio album, “Rave & Roses”, in March 2022. The album features collaborations with 6LACK, Chris Brown, and AJ Tracey.
  • He continues to tour globally, selling out arenas and headlining major festivals.
  • In 2023, Rema became the first African artist to sell out the O2 Arena in London within minutes of ticket sales opening.

Legacy

  • Rema is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative artists in the Afrobeats scene.
  • His unique blend of Afrobeats, Afrorave, and trap has redefined the sound of modern African music.
  • Rema’s success has inspired a new wave of artists to experiment with different genres and styles.