Rema (musician)
Rema | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Divine Ikubor |
Born | [1] Benin City, Edo, Nigeria | 1 May 2000
Genres | |
Occupation(s) |
|
Years active | 2019–present |
Labels | |
Website | heisrema |
YouTube information | |
Channel | |
Subscribers | 4.17 million[2] |
Total views | 1.630 billion[2] |
Last updated: 24 June 2024 |
Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He gained initial recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi". That same year, he signed with D'Prince's record label, Jonzing World.[3] He achieved wider recognition with his 2022 single "Calm Down", which spawned a remix with Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.[4] The song also led Bilboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.[5]
Early life[edit]
Divine Ikubor was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.[6] 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.[7] After losing his father and elder brother, Rema was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his life.[1]
Career[edit]
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". Impressed by his talent, D'Prince flew him to Lagos and offered him a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by music executive and producer Don Jazzy.[8][9] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts.[10][11] The music video for "Dumebi", a breakout song from the EP, was released on 21 May 2019, featuring a cameo appearance from Diana Eneje and has since gained 75 million views on YouTube.[12] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist.[7] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack.[13][14] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr.[15]
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.[16][17] In May 2021, Rema adopted the term "Afrorave" to describe his own music, which blends Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences. This distinct sound has resonated with fans, earning him a dedicated fanbase known as Ravers.[18][19]
2022–present: Rave & Roses and Ravage EP[edit]
After releasing three EPs, Rema debuted his first album, Rave & Roses, on 25 March 2022, under Jonzing World.[20] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult.[21] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week.[22] The single "Calm Down" gained international recognition after a remix with Selena Gomez, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and breaking multiple records.[23][24][25][26] Rema received various awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song and many other awards.[27][28][29] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert.[30] 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.[31] In April 2023, he released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify.[32] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP,[33] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France.[34]
Personal life[edit]
On 28 September 2020, Rema tweeted accusations against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding their involvement in the death of his father, Justice Ikubor, a former chieftain of the party.[35][36] Although Rema gained admission to study at the University of Lagos in 2022, he was forced to leave the institution in 2023 due to the ongoing ASUU teaching union strike.[37][38]
Impact[edit]
Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise."[39] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage.[40] The Guardian Nigeria opined "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."[41] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history."[42] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer."[43] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists.[44][45][46]
Discography[edit]
Studio albums[edit]
- Rave & Roses (2022)
Awards and nominations[edit]
Year | Award | Category | Nominee/Work | Result | Ref |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2019 | The Headies | Song of the Year | "Dumebi" | Nominated | [47] |
Viewer's Choice | Himself | Nominated | |||
Next Rated | Won | ||||
City People Music Awards | Most Promising Act of the Year | Nominated | [48][49] | ||
Revelation of the Year | Won | ||||
Best New Act of the Year | Nominated | ||||
2020 | BET Awards | Best New International Act | Nominated | [50] | |
The Future Awards Africa | Young Person of the Year | Nominated | [51][52] | ||
Music | Won | ||||
MTV Europe Music Award | Best African Act | Nominated | [53] | ||
2021 | MTV Africa Music Awards | Best Male | Pending | [54] | |
The Headies | Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year | Nominated | [55] | ||
Best Pop Single | "Lady" | Nominated | |||
Net Honours | Most Played Pop Song | "Woman" | Nominated | [56] | |
African Entertainment Awards USA | Song of the Year | Nominated | [57] | ||
Edison Award | Edison Jazz/World – World | Rema Compilation | Nominated | [58] | |
2022
|
Odeón Awards 2022 | Best urban song | "44" (with Bad Gyal) |
Nominated | [59] |
2023
|
Soundcity MVP Awards | Digital Artist of the Year | Himself | Won | [60] |
The Headies | Best Male Artist | Himself | Won | [61] | |
African Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Digital Artist of the Year | Won | ||||
Album of the Year | "Rave and Roses" | Nominated | |||
Song of the Year | "Calm Down" | Nominated | |||
MTV Video Music Awards | Best Afrobeats | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | [62][63] | |
Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||||
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Best Afrobeats Video | Nominated | [citation needed] | |||
AFRIMMA | Crossing Boundaries with Music Award | Himself | Won | [64] | |
Artist of the Year | Himself | Won | |||
Trace Awards | Song of the Year | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | [65] | |
Best Global African Artist | Himself | Won | |||
Best Male Artist | Himself | Nominated | [citation needed] | ||
BreakTudo Awards | International Rising Artist | Himself | Pending | [66] | |
MTV Europe Music Awards | Best Afrobeats | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | [citation needed] | |
Best Song | Nominated | [citation needed] | |||
Billboard Music Awards | Top Afrobeats Song | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | ||
Top Afrobeats Artist | Himself | Nominated | |||
Top Collaboration | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | |||
Top Global 200 Song | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | |||
iHeartRadio Music Awards | Best Music Video | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | ||
2024 | Brit Awards | International Song of The Year | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | |
iHeartRadio Music Awards | Best Collaboration | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | ||
Song of The Year | Nominated | ||||
Pop Song of The Year | Nominated | ||||
Best New Pop Artist | Himself | Nominated | |||
Afrobeats Artist of The Year |
References[edit]
- ^ a b "Is Rema dead?: Divine Ikubor aka Rema never die, na fake news dey fly upandan - Rema Manager". BBC News Pidgin. 1 February 2020. Archived from the original on 19 November 2021. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
- ^ a b "About Rema". YouTube.
- ^ Nwafor (23 March 2019). "Don Jazzy signs record deal with D'Prince's Jonzing World". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on 21 November 2022. Retrieved 21 November 2022.
- ^ tolsen (2 January 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
- ^ Anderson, Trevor (19 October 2023). "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. Archived from the original on 28 October 2023. Retrieved 28 October 2023.
- ^ "Meet Rema, The Kid From Benin With The World At His Feet". The Native. 2 May 2019. Archived from the original on 18 August 2020. Retrieved 28 September 2020.
- ^ a b Holmes, Charles (15 May 2020). "How Rema Became Afrobeats' New Superhero". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ Pierre, Alphonse. "Rema Is Leading the Next Generation of Nigerian Pop Afrobeats chart". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on 17 June 2020. Retrieved 17 June 2020.
- ^ Akindare, Okunola (21 January 2020). "How D'Prince gave Mavin Records a new lease of life". NET. Archived from the original on 21 January 2020. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- ^ "Rema – EP by Rema". Archived from the original on 12 August 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2019 – via music.apple.com.
- ^ "Top 100: Nigeria". Apple Music. Archived from the original on 25 June 2019. Retrieved 25 August 2019.
- ^ "See the music video for Rema's "Dumebi"". The NATIVE. 21 May 2019. Archived from the original on 20 August 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2021.
- ^ "FIFA 21 soundtrack: Artists, songs & music on new game, reveal date | Goal.com". goal.com. Archived from the original on 2 August 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
- ^ "Fireboy, Rema feature on FIFA 21 official soundtracks". Punch Newspapers. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 2 May 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ "Pepsi unveils new ambassadors Ayra Starr and Rema #ForTheLoveOfMusic". Vanguard News. 4 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ Zeeman, Kyle (9 October 2019). "Toya Delazy is creating her own genre called Afro-rave, and she says it's the future". Times Live. Archived from the original on 9 October 2019. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
- ^ Coetzee, Nikita (3 August 2020). "How Toya Delazy carved out her own path and created a unique sound". News24. Archived from the original on 2 January 2024. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "My brand of music is 'Afrorave', says Rema". The Nation Newspaper. 22 May 2021. Archived from the original on 22 July 2021. Retrieved 22 July 2021.
- ^ Storm, Camille (24 September 2019). "Rema is Nigerian pop's golden child". The FADER. Archived from the original on 29 December 2019. Retrieved 21 January 2020.
- ^ Kim, Michelle Hyun (18 March 2022). "17 Albums We Can't Wait to Hear This Spring". Vulture. Archived from the original on 20 March 2022. Retrieved 19 March 2022.
- ^ FOL (22 March 2022). "Rema reveals 'Rave and Roses' album tracklist – FindOutLyrics". Archived from the original on 18 December 2022. Retrieved 22 March 2022.
- ^ "Rema". Billboard. Archived from the original on 6 April 2022. Retrieved 6 April 2022.
- ^ "Rema – Calm Down". Top40-Charts.com. Archived from the original on 16 August 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
- ^ Zemler, Emily (26 August 2022). "Hear Selena Gomez Join Afrorave Artist Rema on Reworked Single 'Calm Down'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on 28 August 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
- ^ "Selena Gomez – Chart History: The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved 7 March 2023.
- ^ "Rema earns first Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Calm Down' remix". 13 September 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ Atkinson, Katie (19 November 2023). "Billboard Music Awards 2023 Winners: Full List". Billboard. Archived from the original on 20 November 2023. Retrieved 20 November 2023.
- ^ Woerner, Meredith (12 September 2023). "Taylor Swift Wins Big at MTV VMAs, Plus Full List of Winners". Variety. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
- ^ "Rema's Calm Down sets YouTube record as Afrobeats continues global foray". Music In Africa. 31 January 2023. Archived from the original on 21 February 2023. Retrieved 21 February 2023.
- ^ Oyetayo, Bamise. "Watch Rema's Plaque Acceptance For 1 Billion Streams On "Rave & Roses"". notjustok.com. Archived from the original on 12 May 2023. Retrieved 12 May 2023.
- ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ (anonymous) (1 December 2023). "Rema's "Rave & Roses Ultra" Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams". Album Talks. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
- ^ "Rema Releases New EP Ravage". Pitchfork. 27 October 2023. Archived from the original on 3 November 2023. Retrieved 3 November 2023.
- ^ Etukudo, Itoro (31 October 2023). "'I'm grateful for this opportunity', Rema says after Ballon d'Or performance". The International Centre for Investigative Reporting. Archived from the original on 2 November 2023. Retrieved 2 November 2023.
- ^ "PDP must explain what happened to my father – Rema | The Nation". The Nation Newspaper. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
- ^ "Explain how my father died – Rema tells PDP". Daily Post Nigeria. 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 20 January 2021. Retrieved 15 February 2021.
- ^ "Rema: Biography, Age, Girlfriend, Education, Songs, and More". 18 May 2022. Archived from the original on 3 October 2022. Retrieved 3 October 2022.
- ^ "I abandoned UNILAG admission because of ASUU strike – Rema". Vanguard. 17 March 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
- ^ "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Udugba, Anthony (8 November 2023). "How Rema became Nigeria's biggest music act of 2023". Business day Ng. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Kareem, Itunu Azeez (20 December 2023). "REMA'S R&R ALBUM IS AFROBEATS MOST STREAMED 2023". The Guardian. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Abimbolu, Debola (22 March 2020). "HOW REMA HAS CHANGED THE AFROPOP GAME IN ONLY ONE YEAR". The Native. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Rema's hit single, 'Calm Down,' reaches 1bn streams on Spotify". Punch. 10 September 2023. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ Acho, Affa (December 2023). "Rema's 'Calm Down' Emerges as Global Shazam Champion of 2023, Breaks Records Worldwide". Leadership News. Retrieved 8 January 2024.
- ^ "Presidency congratulates Rema on MTV award, says music resonates with audiences worldwide". Vanguard. 15 September 2023. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ Morgan, Maybelle (6 December 2023). "Rema brings the heat". GQ. Retrieved 11 January 2024.
- ^ "Full list of winners at Headies 2019". The Nation Newspaper. 21 October 2019. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. 30 November 2020. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Winners Emerge @ City People Music Awards". City People Magazine. 5 November 2019. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Burna Boy wins 2020 BET award, Rema loses". P.M. News. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Rema, Jemima Osunde, Mr. Macaroni, Odunayo Eweniyi, others make The Future Awards Africa nominees list... all nominees are under the age of 28". The Future Awards Africa. 8 November 2020. Archived from the original on 24 May 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "TFAA 2020 Winners Profile". The Future Awards Africa. 1 December 2020. Archived from the original on 27 March 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Burna Boy, Rema Clinch 2020 MTV EMA Nominations For Best African Act". The Guardian Nigeria News. 7 October 2020. Archived from the original on 10 October 2020. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "See the Full List of 2021 #MTVMAMA Nominees including Tems, Omah Lay and Rema!". BellaNaija. 9 December 2020. Archived from the original on 28 October 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Live Update: All The Winners At The Headies 2020". The Guardian Nigeria News. 21 February 2021. Archived from the original on 5 December 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on 21 June 2021. Retrieved 21 July 2021.
- ^ "African Entertainment Awards USA 2021". African Entertainment Awards USA. Archived from the original on 1 November 2021. Retrieved 2 November 2021.
- ^ "2021". Edison Jazz/World. Archived from the original on 28 June 2022. Retrieved 27 March 2022.
- ^ "Ganadores 2022 – Premios Odeón" (in Spanish). Odeón Awards. Archived from the original on 31 March 2022. Retrieved 29 March 2022.
- ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. 21 September 2022. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
- ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (12 July 2023). "Headies2023: Wizkid, Portable missing, Davido, Asake dominates, full list trends". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (12 July 2023). "Headies2023: Wizkid, Portable missing, Davido, Asake dominates, full list trends". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Archived from the original on 14 July 2023. Retrieved 14 July 2023.
- ^ Curto, Justin (12 September 2023). "Here Are the 2023 VMA Winners". Vulture. Archived from the original on 12 September 2023. Retrieved 13 September 2023.
- ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (12 July 2023). "AFRIMMA2023: Music Davido, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr Honoured at 10th AFRIMMA Awards". Archived from the original on 27 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
- ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (12 July 2023). "Rema & Davido Are Top Winners at 2023 Trace Awards, Celebrating African Music (Full Winners List)". Archived from the original on 24 October 2023. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
- ^ "BreakTudo Awards 2023: Indicados". BreakTudo Awards (in Brazilian Portuguese). 24 August 2023. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.