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Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian music artist who has been making waves in the global music scene with his genre-bending songs and captivating performances. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential and innovative artists in the Afrobeats genre, which blends elements of African pop, hip hop, dancehall, and R&B. Rema has also coined his own subgenre of Afrobeats, called Afrorave, which incorporates influences from Arabian and Indian music1
Origins and Early Career
Rema was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up singing and rapping in church and school, and started his musical career in 2018 when he uploaded a viral freestyle video on Instagram, rapping over D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang”. The video caught the attention of D’Prince, who is the brother of Nigerian music mogul Don Jazzy and the owner of Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. D’Prince flew Rema to Lagos and offered him a record deal, which he accepted2
In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, which featured the hit single “Dumebi”, a catchy and upbeat song that showcases his versatile vocals and rap skills. The song became an instant hit in Nigeria and across Africa, and also gained international recognition when it was featured on former US president Barack Obama’s summer playlist3 The EP also topped the Apple Music Nigeria chart and received positive reviews from critics and fans alike4
Breakthrough and Global Success
In 2020, Rema released his second EP, Rave and Roses, which cemented his status as a global star and a pioneer of Afrorave. The EP featured the smash hit “Calm Down”, a hypnotic and infectious song that blends Afrobeats, trap, and EDM. The song became a worldwide sensation, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the US Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-breaking 58 weeks5 The song also spawned a remix with American pop star Selena Gomez, which further boosted its popularity and exposure6
Rema has also collaborated with other prominent artists, such as Drake, Beyoncé, Burna Boy, and Major Lazer, and has performed at prestigious events and venues, such as the NBA All-Star Game, the Ballon d’Or ceremony, and the O2 Arena in London. He has also received numerous awards and nominations, such as the BET Award for Best International Act, the MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act, and the Headies Award for Digital Artist of the Year789
Future Plans and Vision
Rema has stated that he wants to continue to push the boundaries of music and create a new sound that transcends genres and cultures. He has also expressed his desire to inspire and empower the youth of Africa and the world, and to use his platform to raise awareness on social issues and causes. He has also launched his own clothing line, Rave and Roses, which reflects his fashion sense and personality1011
Rema is undoubtedly one of the most talented and visionary artists of his generation, and he has proven that he has what it takes to conquer the world with his music and message. He is a true representation of the power and potential of African music and culture, and he is set to become a legend in the history of music.
