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Rema (musician)

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For his self-titled extended play, see Rema (EP).

Rema
Rema walking stylishly and facing upward
Rema catwalk for UK apparel brand Tokyo James in 2019
Born
Divine Ikubor

(2000-05-01) 1 May 2000 (age 24)[1]
Benin city, Edo, Nigeria
Other names
CitizenshipNigerian
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
Years active2019–present
WorksDiscography
AwardsFull list
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Keyboard
Labels
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2017–present
Genres
Subscribers4.5 million[5]
Total views1.828 billion[5]
Last updated: 1 November 2024
Websiteheisrema.com

Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), popularly known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper. He gained initial recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi". That same year, he signed with D'Prince's record label, Jonzing World.[6] He achieved international recognition with his 2022 single "Calm Down", which spawned a remix with American singer Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.[7] The song also led Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.[8][9]

"Calm Down" emerged from Rema's debut studio album, Rave & Roses (2022), which peaked at number 81 on the Billboard 200.[10][11] His fourth commercial EP, Ravage, was released in 2023. His second album, Heis (2024), was supported by the single "Benin Boys" (with Shallipopi).[12]The album received a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, earning Rema his first career nomination at the Grammys.[13][14]

Early life

[edit]

Divine Ikubor was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.[15] 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.[16] 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]

2019–2021: Career beginnings and record deals

[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.[17][18] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts.[19][20] 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.[21] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist.[16] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack.[22][23] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr.[24]

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.[25][26] 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.[27][28]

2022–23: Rave & Roses and Ravage EP

[edit]

After releasing three EPs, Rema debuted his first album, Rave & Roses, on 25 March 2022, under Jonzing World.[29] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult.[30] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week.[31] The single "Calm Down" gained international recognition, it reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 after a remix with Selena Gomez, breaking multiple records.[32][33][34][35] 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.[36][37][38] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert.[39] 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.[40] In April 2023, he released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify.[41] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP,[42] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France.[43]

2024: Second Studio Album; HEIS

On the 11th of 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 as ODUMODUBLVCK on the song 'War Machine' and Shallipopi on the song 'Benin Boys'.[44]

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.[45][46] 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.[47][48]

Impact

[edit]

Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise."[49] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage.[50] 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."[51] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history."[52] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer."[53] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists.[54][55][56]

Discography

[edit]
Main article: Rema discography

Studio albums

[edit]

Awards and nominations

[edit]
Year Award Category Nominee/Work Result Ref
2019 The Headies Song of the Year "Dumebi" Nominated [58]
Viewer's Choice Himself Nominated
Next Rated Won
City People Music Awards Most Promising Act of the Year Nominated [59][60]
Revelation of the Year Won
Best New Act of the Year Nominated
2020 BET Awards Best New International Act Nominated [61]
The Future Awards Africa Young Person of the Year Nominated [62][63]
Music Won
MTV Europe Music Award Best African Act Nominated [64]
2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Best Male Pending [65]
The Headies Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year Nominated [66]
Best Pop Single "Lady" Nominated
Net Honours Most Played Pop Song "Woman" Nominated [67]
African Entertainment Awards USA Song of the Year Nominated [68]
Edison Award Edison Jazz/World – World Rema Compilation Nominated [69]
2022
 Odeón Awards 2022 [es] Best urban song "44"
(with Bad Gyal) 		Nominated [70]
2023
 Soundcity MVP Awards Digital Artist of the Year Himself Won [71]
The Headies Best Male Artist Himself Won [72]
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 [72][73]
Best Collaboration Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
Best Afrobeats Video Nominated [citation needed]
AFRIMMA Crossing Boundaries with Music Award Himself Won [74]
Artist of the Year Himself Won
Trace Awards Song of the Year "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) 		Won [75]
Best Global African Artist Himself Won
Best Male Artist Himself Nominated [citation needed]
BreakTudo Awards International Rising Artist Himself Pending [76]
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 [citation needed]
Top Afrobeats Artist Himself Nominated [citation needed]
Top Collaboration "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) 		Nominated [citation needed]
Top Global 200 Song "Calm Down (Remix)"

(featuring Selena Gomez)

Nominated [citation needed]
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]
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  2. ^ BN (1 August 2019). "Rema Call's himself Remi Boy, covers Tush magazine latest issue". BN. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  3. ^ "Rema AKA Rave Lord is Back". Trybe Coterie. 18 June 2024. Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ a b "About Rema". YouTube.
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  7. ^ tolsen (2 January 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
  8. ^ 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.
  9. ^ Bella, Naija (10 December 2019). "Rema caps off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi'". BellaNaija. Retrieved 6 March 2024.
  10. ^ tolsen (2 January 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 25 November 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2023.
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  22. ^ "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.
  23. ^ "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.
  24. ^ "Pepsi unveils new ambassadors Ayra Starr and Rema #ForTheLoveOfMusic". Vanguard News. 4 September 2021. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
  25. ^ 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.
  26. ^ 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.
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  33. ^ 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.
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  37. ^ Woerner, Meredith (12 September 2023). "Taylor Swift Wins Big at MTV VMAs, Plus Full List of Winners". Variety. Retrieved 14 September 2023.
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  40. ^ "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.
  41. ^ (anonymous) (1 December 2023). "Rema's "Rave & Roses Ultra" Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams". Album Talks. Retrieved 9 June 2024.
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  43. ^ 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.
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