Ife Abe
Divine Ikubor, known globally as Rema, is a trailblazer in the modern Afrobeats scene, blending traditional African rhythms with elements of trap, R&B, and global pop. Born in 2000 in Benin City, Nigeria, Rema’s rise to stardom was meteoric, fueled by his unique sound, genre-fluidity, and an ability to craft melodies that resonate across continents.
Discovered by D’Prince, the younger brother of Don Jazzy, Rema was signed to Jonzing World/Mavin Records in 2019. That same year, he released his self-titled EP Rema, which included the breakout hit Dumebi. The song catapulted him to international fame, earning millions of streams and positioning him as the poster boy for Afrobeats’ next generation.
Rema’s sound—coined as Afro-Rave—pushes the boundaries of Afrobeats, incorporating elements of Indian melodies, futuristic synths, and moody trap influences. His debut album, Rave & Roses (2022), further solidified his status as a global force, with tracks like Calm Down—especially its remix featuring Selena Gomez—breaking records, topping charts, and becoming one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs of all time.
Beyond numbers, Rema represents a cultural shift. His aesthetic—dark, mystical, anime-inspired—sets him apart in a genre traditionally rooted in feel-good vibes. He frequently references spirituality, destiny, and personal struggles, making his artistry deeper than just club anthems.
From performing on global stages like Coachella to collaborating with international superstars, Rema’s influence continues to grow. He embodies the new face of Afrobeats—bold, boundary-pushing, and unapologetically experimental. If his early success is any indication, Rema is not just a star of today but a defining figure for the future of African music on the world stage.
