Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), better known by his stage name Rema, is a Nigerian singer-songwriter and rapper. He gained recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi". That same year, he signed with D'Prince's record label, Jonzing World.[5] 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.[6] The song also led Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks.[7][8]
"Calm Down" emerged from Rema's debut studio album, Rave & Roses (2022), which peaked at number 81 on the Billboard 200.[9][10] His second album, Heis (2024), was supported by the single "Benin Boys" (with Shallipopi)[11] and yielded Rema's first Grammy Award nomination—for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.[12][13]
Divine Ikubor was born on 1 May 2000 into a Christian family in Benin 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 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.[16][17] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts.[18][19] 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 85 million views on YouTube.[20] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist.[15] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack.[21][22] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr.[23]
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.[24][25] 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.[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 with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult.[29] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard 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 with Selena Gomez, breaking multiple records.[31][32][33][34] 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.[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 released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify.[40] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP,[41] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France.[42]
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".[43] It represents Rema owning his title, the "Prince of Afrobeats".[44] The album consists of 11 songs and features a darker, drum-driven sound compared to his debut album, Rave & Roses.[45] Rema refers to this new style in his music as "afro-rave" which he describes as "[His] own perception of Afrobeats,"[46]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.[47] HEIS has more references to his native Edo culture and explores themes of cultural appreciation and self-assertation 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[48]. Additionally, the sophomore album received a Grammy nomination for Rema for Best Global Music Album which marked Rema's first Grammy nomination[48].
On 7 February 2025, Rema released the single 'Baby (Is It a Crime)' which samples Sade's 1985 classic 'Is It a Crime'.[49] The song quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most streamed Nigerian songs of 2025.[50]
On 11 April 2025, Rema released another single titled 'Bout U'.[51][52]
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.[53][54] 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.[55][56]
Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise."[57] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage.[58] 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."[59] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history."[60] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer."[61] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists.[62][63][64] “Rema is solidifying his place as one of the greatest Afrobeat artists of his generation, with a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.”
Headlining
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
