Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper.
He started making music at a young age and began releasing music online when he was just 18 years old.
Rema started his music career performing in churches with his collaborator Alpha P in 2019. He gained recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang".
He gained recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi".
His first song, "Iron Man", was released in 2020. "Burna Boy's 'Anybody' and Rema 'Iron Man' are two of Barack Obama's 36 favourite songs of 2019".
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Rema refers to this new style in his music as "afro-rave" which he describes as "[His] own perception of Afrobeats," he stated in an interview with HOT 97 in 2022. The sound is a blend of genres ranging from Afrobeats, house, hip-hop, and dancehall.
In May 2021, Rema adopted the term "Afrorave" to describe his own music, which blends Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences.
Toya Delazy, a South African music producer and artist, originated the genre "Afrorave" in 2019, combining elements of garage, Zulu lyrics, and other African styles.
On 11 July 2024, Rema released his second studio album titled HEIS. The title of the album is derived from the Greek word for "numeral 1". It represents Rema owning his title, the "Prince of Afrobeats".
HEIS has more references to his native Edo culture and explores themes of cultural appreciation and self-assertion which garnered some negative attention from listeners who initially perceived it as demonic. Despite early criticisms, HEIS debuted at No. 2 on the Official Top 100 Albums chart, later reaching No. 1, and has been on the chart for 29 weeks with over 104 million streams.
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The album consists of 11 songs and features a darker, drum-driven sound compared to his debut album, Rave & Roses.
Additionally, the sophomore album received a Grammy nomination for Rema for Best Global Music Album which marked Rema's first Grammy nomination.
Key Achievements and Recognition:
- Rema's "Calm Down" Emerges as Global Shazam Champion of 2023, Breaks Records Worldwide.
- "Rema's 'Calm Down' Emerges as Global Shazam Champion of 2023, Breaks Records Worldwide".
- Rema makes history on US Billboard Hot 100, Canadian Billboard charts.
- Rema's 'Calm Down' becomes first song to chart on US Billboard for one year.
Chart Performance:
- "Rema earns first Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Calm Down' remix".
Awards and Nominations:
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- Additionally, the sophomore album received a Grammy nomination for Rema for Best Global Music Album which marked Rema's first Grammy nomination.
- Presidency congratulates Rema on MTV award, says music resonates with audiences worldwide.
Recent Releases:
- Rema Releases Greatly Anticipated Single "Baby (Is It A Crime?)", Alongside Music Video.
- Rema said to release upcoming song "Screech".
- Rema Releases New EP Ravage.
From Benin City to Global Fame – Rema’s Story”
Streams and Popularity:
- How Rema and Selena Gomez Bagged A Billion Streams.
- Rema's hit single, 'Calm Down,' reaches 1bn streams on Spotify.
- Rema's "Rave & Roses Ultra" Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams.
- Rema's 'Is It A Crime' is the most streamed Nigerian song of 2025 so far on Spotify.
Critical Acclaim:
- "Rema caps off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi'".
- Rema is Nigerian pop's golden child.
- Rema brings the heat.
- Rema is Leading the Next Generation of Nigerian Pop Afrobeats chart.
- How Rema Became Afrobeats' New Superhero.
- HOW REMA HAS CHANGED THE AFROPOP GAME IN ONLY ONE YEAR.
Rema performing live.
Billboard Charts:
- Tyla's 'Water' Hits No. Afrobeats Songs Chart - Stopping the 58-Week Run of Rema & Selena Gomez's 'Calm Down'.
- Rema earns first Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Calm Down' remix.
Albums and EPs:
- Rema Announces Sophomore Album 'HEIS'.
- Rema - EP by Rema.
Rema's Impact on Afrobeats
Rema's unique sound and style have significantly impacted the Afrobeats scene, blending traditional elements with modern influences.
Table: Rema's Key Albums and Achievements
| Album/EP | Year | Key Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| Rema EP | 2019 | Breakthrough release, gained initial recognition |
| Rave & Roses | N/A | 1 Billion Streams On "Rave & Roses" |
| Rave & Roses Ultra | N/A | Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams |
| HEIS | 2024 | Grammy Nomination for Best Global Music Album |
| Ravage EP | 2023 | Latest EP release |
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