Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), popularly known asRema, is a Nigerian singer and rapper. He gained recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi". That same year, he signed withD'Prince's record label,Jonzing World.[5] He achieved international recognition with his 2022 single "Calm Down", which spawned a remix with American singerSelena Gomez that peaked at number three on theBillboard Hot 100.[6] The song also ledBillboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.[7][8]
Divine Ikubor was born into aChristian family inBenin City,Edo State, Nigeria.[14] He discovered his passion for music during his secondary school days at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State, where he began singing and rapping.[15] After losing his father and elder brother, Rema was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his life.[3]
Rema started his music career performing in churches with his collaboratorAlpha P in 2019. He gained recognition after posting a viral freestyle onInstagram toD'Prince's song "Gucci Gang". Impressed by his talent, D'Prince flew him toLagos and offered him a record deal withJonzing World, a subsidiary ofMavin Records owned by music executive and producerDon Jazzy.[16][17] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EPRema, which toppedApple Music's Nigerian charts.[18][19] The music video for "Dumebi", a breakout song from the EP, was released on 21 May 2019, featuring acameo appearance fromDiana Eneje and has since gained 84 million views onYouTube.[20] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States PresidentBarack Obama's annual summer playlist.[15] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on theFIFA 21 official soundtrack.[21][22] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador forPepsi, alongside his label mateAyra Starr.[23]
Toya Delazy, aSouth African music producer and artist, originated the genre "Afrorave" in 2019, combining elements ofgarage,Zulu lyrics, and other African styles.[24][25] In May 2021, Rema adopted the term "Afrorave" to describe his own music, which blendsAfrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences. This distinct sound has resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated fanbase known as Ravers.[26][27]
After releasing three EPs, Rema debuted his first album,Rave & Roses, on 25 March 2022, under Jonzing World.[28] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with6lack,Chris Brown,AJ Tracey, andYseult.[29] It charted 10 songs on the USBillboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week.[30] The single "Calm Down" gained international recognition, it reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix withSelena Gomez, breaking multiple records.[31][32][33][34] Rema received various awards, including theMTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and theBillboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song andmany other awards.[35][36][37] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert.[38] In February 2023, he won the Digital Artist of the Year award at the Soundcity MVP Awards held at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos.[39] In April 2023, he releasedRave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify.[40] On 26 October 2023, Rema released theRavage EP,[41] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at theBallon d'Or ceremony heldTheatre du Châtelet inParis, France.[42]
2024: Second Studio Album; HEIS
On 11 July 2024, Rema released his second studio album titled HEIS. The title of the album is said to be derived from the greek word for "numeral 1". The album consists of 11 songs and features popular Nigerian artists such asODUMODUBLVCK on the song 'War Machine' andShallipopi on the song 'Benin Boys'.[43]
On 28 September 2020, Rema tweeted accusations against thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding their involvement in the death of his father, Justice Ikubor, a former chieftain of the party.[44][45] Although Rema gained admission to study at theUniversity of Lagos in 2022, he was forced to leave the institution in 2023 due to the ongoingASUU teaching union strike.[46][47]
Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem ofAfrobeats global rise."[48] Writing forBusiness Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage.[49]The Guardian Nigeria opined "As theAfrobeats landscape continues to flourish, Rema’s success sets a high standard, showcasing the global appeal and dominance of Nigerian music on the international stage."[50]The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history."[51]Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer."[52] Manycritics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists.[53][54][55]
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