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Rema Complete History: The Inspiring Journey of Nigeria's International Music Superstar

Introduction

Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and performer widely recognized as one of the leading voices in Afrobeats and Afrofusion. Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Rema's meteoric rise to global fame is a testament to his exceptional talent, hard work, and unique sound. His story is one of inspiration, creativity, and a deep connection to his roots in Nigeria.



Early Life and Background

Rema grew up in a Christian home and showed an early interest in music. He began his musical journey in church, where he honed his vocal skills as part of the choir. Coming from humble beginnings in Benin City, Rema's passion for music became his refuge and inspiration amidst the challenges of growing up in Nigeria.

His environment greatly influenced his sound, blending traditional Nigerian rhythms with contemporary global music trends. Despite facing difficulties after the passing of his father and older brother, Rema's determination to succeed pushed him to pursue music as a career.

Discovery and Breakthrough

Rema’s big break came in 2018 when he was discovered by D’Prince, a prominent Nigerian artist and record label executive. Impressed by Rema’s talent, D’Prince signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, which is owned by music mogul Don Jazzy.

In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, featuring hit singles like "Dumebi" and "Iron Man." Dumebi became a viral sensation, dominating charts across Nigeria and beyond, while Iron Man gained international recognition after being listed on Barack Obama’s summer playlist.

Rema at Lagos Fashion Week 2019 in association with Tokyo James x TTYA London


Musical Style and Innovation

Rema is celebrated for his unique sound, which he describes as Afro-Rave, a fusion of Afrobeats, trap, pop, and electronic music. His ability to experiment with genres while staying rooted in African rhythms has earned him a dedicated fan base worldwide.

He blends youthful exuberance with deep lyrical content, often addressing themes of love, ambition, and self-discovery. Rema’s style is characterized by catchy melodies, captivating beats, and a distinctive vocal delivery.

Discography and Career Highlights

Albums and EPs

  • Rema EP (2019): The debut project that launched his career, featuring hits like Dumebi, Corny, and Iron Man.
  • Bad Commando (2019): Another EP that solidified his status as a rising star, with tracks like Lady and Rewind.
  • Rave & Roses (2022): Rema’s debut studio album that included chart-toppers like Calm Down. This album showcased his growth and versatility as an artist.

Hit Singles

  • Dumebi (2019): A global hit and a party anthem.
  • Calm Down (2022): One of Rema’s biggest songs, this track achieved massive international success and earned him collaborations with artists like Selena Gomez.
  • Bounce (2021): Produced by Don Jazzy, this track became a dance floor favorite.

Collaborations

Rema has worked with top artists both locally and internationally, including Selena Gomez, Chris Brown, 6LACK, Becky G, and AJ Tracey. His collaborations have helped expand the reach of Afrobeats to global audiences.

Rema, Selena Gomez - Calm Down (Behind The Scenes)


Awards and Recognition

Rema’s talent has earned him numerous awards and nominations. Some of his notable achievements include:

  • Next Rated Award at the 2019 Headies Awards.
  • Best New Artist at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
  • Nominations at the BET Awards and MTV Europe Music Awards.
  • Winning the Afrimma Award for Best Male Artist in West Africa.

Impact on Afrobeats and Global Music

Rema has played a significant role in the global rise of Afrobeats. His music bridges the gap between African and Western sounds, making him a cultural ambassador for Nigeria on the world stage. His track Calm Down broke streaming records and became one of the most-streamed Afrobeats songs of all time, solidifying his place in history.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Despite his fame, Rema remains connected to his roots. He has engaged in philanthropic activities, including supporting young talents and contributing to his community in Benin City.

Rema is also an advocate for youth empowerment and often speaks about the importance of self-belief and hard work. Though private about his personal life, he shares glimpses of his journey and experiences with his fans, whom he affectionately calls "Ravers."

Future Prospects

Rema’s career shows no signs of slowing down. With a growing global fan base, collaborations with international artists, and plans for more groundbreaking projects, he is poised to remain at the forefront of the global music scene.

Conclusion
Rema’s story is an inspiring tale of resilience, creativity, and cultural pride. From his humble beginnings in Benin City to becoming a global superstar, Rema continues to break barriers and set new standards in the music industry. His journey represents the power of talent and determination, making him a symbol of hope for aspiring artists in Nigeria and beyond.


Refrences 

  1. Is Rema dead? Divine Ikubor aka Rema never die, na fake news dey fly upandan - Rema Manager - BBC News Pidgin, 1 February 2020. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  2. Rema Calls Himself Remi Boy, Covers Tush Magazine Latest Issue - BellaNaija, 1 August 2019. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. Rema AKA Rave Lord is Back - Trybe Coterie, 18 June 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  4. Don Jazzy Signs Record Deal with D'Prince's Jonzing World - Vanguard News, 23 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  5. About Rema - YouTube. Retrieved 15 June 2020.
  6. Don Jazzy Signs Record Deal with D'Prince's Jonzing World - Vanguard News, 23 March 2019. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
  7. Billboard Hot 100 - Billboard, 2 January 2013. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  8. Tyla's 'Water' Hits No. 1 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart – Stopping the 58-Week Run of Rema & Selena Gomez's 'Calm Down' - Billboard, 19 October 2023. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  9. Rema Caps Off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi' - BellaNaija, 10 December 2019. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  10. Billboard Hot 100 - Billboard, 2 January 2013. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  11. Tyla's 'Water' Hits No. 1 on U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart – Stopping the 58-Week Run of Rema & Selena Gomez's 'Calm Down' - Billboard, 19 October 2023. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
  12. Rema Announces Sophomore Album 'HEIS' - Billboard, 9 July 2024. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  13. Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar Lead 2025 Grammy Nominees - Rolling Stone, 8 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.
  14. Grammy Nominations 2025: See the Complete List - Billboard, 8 November 2024. Retrieved 9 November 2024.