Born on May 1, 2000, Divine Ikubor, also going by Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and composer. Following his Instagram freestyle to D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang,” which went viral in 2018, Rema launched his professional music career in 2019 with the release of his debut track, “Dumebi.” The extended plays Rema (2019) and Rema Freestyle (2019) are his next offerings.
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Released in 2022, Rema’s first studio album, Rave & Roses, debuted at number 81 on the Billboard 200 and was well received commercially. It gave birth to the popular song “Calm Down” and its remix, which peaked at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 list with Selena Gomez. On the US Bilboard Afrobeats Songs chart, the song peaked at number one for an unprecedented 58 weeks. In 2023, he released Ravage, his fourth commercial EP. The main track “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi was released as the lead single for Rema’s second album, Heis, in 2024.
Rema Childhood
Born into a Christian household, Divine Ikubor was raised in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Rema started singing and rapping in his secondary school years at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State, which is where he first developed a taste for music. Rema was raised by his mother, who had a big influence on how he lived, after the death of his father and older brother.
Rema Career
2019–2021: Record deals and career starts
In 2019, Rema began playing music and giving religious performances alongside his partner Alpha P. He became well-known after sharing a freestyle to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang” on Instagram that went viral. D’Prince offered him a record deal with Jonzing World, a division of Mavin Records controlled by music mogul and producer Don Jazzy, after flying him to Lagos and being impressed by his talent.
The self-titled first EP by Rema, which he released in 2019, peaked at the top of Apple Music’s Nigerian rankings. With a cameo by Diana Eneje, the music video for “Dumebi,” the EP’s breakout hit, was released on May 21, 2019, and it has now received 75 million views on YouTube.
A popular song from the EP was included on former US President Barack Obama’s yearly summer playlist later that summer. Rema’s tracks were featured on the official FIFA 21 soundtrack in September 2020. Rema and labelmate Ayra Starr were introduced as Pepsi brand ambassadors in September 2021.
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The term “Afrorave” was coined in 2019 by South African music producer and performer Toya Delazy, who blended garage, Zulu lyrics, and other African sounds. Rema coined the name “Afrorave” in May 2021 to characterise his own sound, which combines Afrobeats with elements of Arabian and Indian music. His unique style has struck a chord with listeners, gaining him a devoted following known as Ravers.
Rave & Roses and Ravage EP, 2022–2023
Rema released his first album, Rave & Roses, under Jonzing World on March 25, 2022, following the release of three EPs. There are 16 tracks on the album, including joint efforts with Yseult, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and 6lack. In its first week of release, it peaked at number ten on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart. Following a remix featuring Selena Gomez, the song “Calm Down” became well-known worldwide, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and shattering numerous records.
Rema won numerous accolades, such as the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song and the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video, among many more. He received recognition on November 7, 2022, for reaching one billion streams globally during his London show. February 2023:
Rema Individual Life
Rema made allegations on Twitter on September 28, 2020, against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for their alleged role in the passing of Justice Ikubor, a former party chieftain, who was Rema’s father. Rema was accepted to the University of Lagos in 2022, but the continuing ASUU teaching union strike prompted him to quit the school in 2023.
Effect
According to Rolling Stone, “Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise.” Anthony Udugba wrote for Business Day that Rema has “expanded the horizons” of African music’s influence on the international scene. According to The Guardian Nigeria, “As the Afrobeats landscape continues to flourish, Rema’s success sets a high standard, showcasing the global appeal and dominance of Nigerian music on the international stage.” “It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history,” declared the Native.
“Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer,” stated Victor Okpala. He has received a lot of appreciation from reviewers for shattering stereotypes and motivating other African musicians.
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