www.fgks.org   »   [go: up one dir, main page]
Jump to content

Rema (musician)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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) May 1, 2000 (age 24)[1]
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Other names
CitizenshipNigerian
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Years active2019–present
WorksDiscography
AwardsFull list
Musical career
OriginLagos, Nigeria
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • Keyboard
Labels
YouTube information
Channel
Years active2017–present
Genres
Subscribers4.17 million[5]
Total views1.630 billion[5]
Last updated: 9 July 2024
Websiteheisrema.com

Divine Ikubor (born May 1, 2000), known mononymously as Rema, is a Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter. An influential figure in popular music, he has been credited with popularizing the Afrorave subgenre in Afrobeats music.[6] Gaining recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram in 2018, set to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang", Rema began his professional music career in 2019 with the release of his debut single, "Dumebi".[7] He followed up with the extended plays Rema (2019) and Rema Freestyle (2019).

Rema's debut studio album, Rave & Roses, released in 2022, was met with commercial success, debuting at number 81 on the Billboard 200. It spawned the hit single "Calm Down" and its remix featuring Selena Gomez, peaking at number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.[8] The song spent a record-breaking 58 weeks at number one on the U.S Bilboard Afrobeats Songs chart.[9] His fourth commercial EP, Ravage, was released in 2023 and broke Spotify Nigeria's First-Day Streaming Record, also spawning the hit single "Trouble Maker". His career has been marked by periods of mainstream success, including chart-topping hits and sold-out tours. He has also been involved in the promotion of cultural practices and traditions, using his platform to raise awareness and celebrate his heritage.[10]

Early life[edit]

Divine Ikubor was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.[11] 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.[12] 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.[13][14] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts.[15][16] 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.[17] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist.[12] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack.[18][19] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr.[20]

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.[21][22] 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.[23][24]

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.[25] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult.[26] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week.[27] 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.[28][29][30][31] 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.[32][33][34] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert.[35] 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.[36] In April 2023, he released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify.[37] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP,[38] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France.[39]

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.[40][41] 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.[42][43]

Impact[edit]

Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise."[44] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage.[45] 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."[46] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history."[47] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer."[48] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists.[49][50][51]

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 [52]
Viewer's Choice Himself Nominated
Next Rated Won
City People Music Awards Most Promising Act of the Year Nominated [53][54]
Revelation of the Year Won
Best New Act of the Year Nominated
2020 BET Awards Best New International Act Nominated [55]
The Future Awards Africa Young Person of the Year Nominated [56][57]
Music Won
MTV Europe Music Award Best African Act Nominated [58]
2021 MTV Africa Music Awards Best Male Pending [59]
The Headies Hip Hop World Revelation of the Year Nominated [60]
Best Pop Single "Lady" Nominated
Net Honours Most Played Pop Song "Woman" Nominated [61]
African Entertainment Awards USA Song of the Year Nominated [62]
Edison Award Edison Jazz/World – World Rema Compilation Nominated [63]
2022
 Odeón Awards 2022 [es] Best urban song "44"
(with Bad Gyal) 		Nominated [64]
2023
 Soundcity MVP Awards Digital Artist of the Year Himself Won [65]
The Headies Best Male Artist Himself Won [66]
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 [67][68]
Best Collaboration Nominated
Song of the Year Nominated
Best Afrobeats Video Nominated [citation needed]
AFRIMMA Crossing Boundaries with Music Award Himself Won [69]
Artist of the Year Himself Won
Trace Awards Song of the Year "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) 		Won [70]
Best Global African Artist Himself Won
Best Male Artist Himself Nominated [citation needed]
BreakTudo Awards International Rising Artist Himself Pending [71]
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]

  1. ^ a b "Is Rema dead?: Divine Ikubor aka Rema never die, na fake news dey fly upandan - Rema Manager". BBC News Pidgin. February 1, 2020. Archived from the original on November 19, 2021. Retrieved June 16, 2020.
  2. ^ BN (August 1, 2019). "Rema Call's himself Remi Boy, covers Tush magazine latest issue". BN. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  3. ^ "Rema AKA Rave Lord is Back". Trybe Coterie. June 18, 2024. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  4. ^ Nwafor (March 23, 2019). "Don Jazzy signs record deal with D'Prince's Jonzing World". Vanguard News. Archived from the original on November 21, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2022.
  5. ^ a b "About Rema". YouTube.
  6. ^ Anthony, Udugba (August 16, 2023). "Rema's Billboard record spotlights journey of Nigerian music on world stage". Business Day. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  7. ^ Bella, Naija (December 10, 2019). "Rema caps off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi'". BellaNaija. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
  8. ^ tolsen (January 2, 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Anderson, Trevor (October 19, 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 October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2023.
  10. ^ Ayo, Ademola (February 4, 2024). "Rema sold more albums than Wizkid, Davido, Burna Boy". Western Post. Retrieved July 9, 2024.
  11. ^ "Meet Rema, The Kid From Benin With The World At His Feet". The Native. May 2, 2019. Archived from the original on August 18, 2020. Retrieved September 28, 2020.
  12. ^ a b Holmes, Charles (May 15, 2020). "How Rema Became Afrobeats' New Superhero". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 22, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  13. ^ Pierre, Alphonse. "Rema Is Leading the Next Generation of Nigerian Pop Afrobeats chart". Pitchfork. Archived from the original on June 17, 2020. Retrieved June 17, 2020.
  14. ^ Akindare, Okunola (January 21, 2020). "How D'Prince gave Mavin Records a new lease of life". NET. Archived from the original on January 21, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
  15. ^ "Rema – EP by Rema". Archived from the original on August 12, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2019 – via music.apple.com.
  16. ^ "Top 100: Nigeria". Apple Music. Archived from the original on June 25, 2019. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  17. ^ "See the music video for Rema's "Dumebi"". The NATIVE. May 21, 2019. Archived from the original on August 20, 2021. Retrieved August 20, 2021.
  18. ^ "FIFA 21 soundtrack: Artists, songs & music on new game, reveal date | Goal.com". goal.com. Archived from the original on August 2, 2021. Retrieved March 28, 2021.
  19. ^ "Fireboy, Rema feature on FIFA 21 official soundtracks". Punch Newspapers. September 28, 2020. Archived from the original on May 2, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  20. ^ "Pepsi unveils new ambassadors Ayra Starr and Rema #ForTheLoveOfMusic". Vanguard News. September 4, 2021. Retrieved September 16, 2021.
  21. ^ Zeeman, Kyle (October 9, 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 October 9, 2019. Retrieved December 31, 2023.
  22. ^ Coetzee, Nikita (August 3, 2020). "How Toya Delazy carved out her own path and created a unique sound". News24. Archived from the original on January 2, 2024. Retrieved January 3, 2024.
  23. ^ "My brand of music is 'Afrorave', says Rema". The Nation Newspaper. May 22, 2021. Archived from the original on July 22, 2021. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  24. ^ Storm, Camille (September 24, 2019). "Rema is Nigerian pop's golden child". The FADER. Archived from the original on December 29, 2019. Retrieved January 21, 2020.
  25. ^ Kim, Michelle Hyun (March 18, 2022). "17 Albums We Can't Wait to Hear This Spring". Vulture. Archived from the original on March 20, 2022. Retrieved March 19, 2022.
  26. ^ FOL (March 22, 2022). "Rema reveals 'Rave and Roses' album tracklist – FindOutLyrics". Archived from the original on December 18, 2022. Retrieved March 22, 2022.
  27. ^ "Rema". Billboard. Archived from the original on April 6, 2022. Retrieved April 6, 2022.
  28. ^ "Rema – Calm Down". Top40-Charts.com. Archived from the original on August 16, 2022. Retrieved July 14, 2022.
  29. ^ Zemler, Emily (August 26, 2022). "Hear Selena Gomez Join Afrorave Artist Rema on Reworked Single 'Calm Down'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on August 28, 2022. Retrieved September 11, 2022.
  30. ^ "Selena Gomez – Chart History: The Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
  31. ^ "Rema earns first Billboard Hot 100 entry with 'Calm Down' remix". September 13, 2022. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  32. ^ Atkinson, Katie (November 19, 2023). "Billboard Music Awards 2023 Winners: Full List". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 20, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  33. ^ Woerner, Meredith (September 12, 2023). "Taylor Swift Wins Big at MTV VMAs, Plus Full List of Winners". Variety. Retrieved September 14, 2023.
  34. ^ "Rema's Calm Down sets YouTube record as Afrobeats continues global foray". Music In Africa. January 31, 2023. Archived from the original on February 21, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2023.
  35. ^ Oyetayo, Bamise. "Watch Rema's Plaque Acceptance For 1 Billion Streams On "Rave & Roses"". notjustok.com. Archived from the original on May 12, 2023. Retrieved May 12, 2023.
  36. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. September 21, 2022. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  37. ^ (anonymous) (December 1, 2023). "Rema's "Rave & Roses Ultra" Surpasses 2 Billion Spotify Streams". Album Talks. Retrieved June 9, 2024.
  38. ^ "Rema Releases New EP Ravage". Pitchfork. October 27, 2023. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  39. ^ Etukudo, Itoro (October 31, 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 November 2, 2023. Retrieved November 2, 2023.
  40. ^ "PDP must explain what happened to my father – Rema | The Nation". The Nation Newspaper. September 28, 2020. Archived from the original on October 1, 2020. Retrieved September 29, 2020.
  41. ^ "Explain how my father died – Rema tells PDP". Daily Post Nigeria. September 28, 2020. Archived from the original on January 20, 2021. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  42. ^ "Rema: Biography, Age, Girlfriend, Education, Songs, and More". May 18, 2022. Archived from the original on October 3, 2022. Retrieved October 3, 2022.
  43. ^ "I abandoned UNILAG admission because of ASUU strike – Rema". Vanguard. March 17, 2023. Retrieved September 10, 2023.
  44. ^ "The 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2023". Rolling Stone. December 26, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  45. ^ Udugba, Anthony (November 8, 2023). "How Rema became Nigeria's biggest music act of 2023". Business day Ng. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  46. ^ Kareem, Itunu Azeez (December 20, 2023). "REMA'S R&R ALBUM IS AFROBEATS MOST STREAMED 2023". The Guardian. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  47. ^ Abimbolu, Debola (March 22, 2020). "HOW REMA HAS CHANGED THE AFROPOP GAME IN ONLY ONE YEAR". The Native. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  48. ^ "Rema's hit single, 'Calm Down,' reaches 1bn streams on Spotify". Punch. September 10, 2023. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  49. ^ Acho, Affa (December 2023). "Rema's 'Calm Down' Emerges as Global Shazam Champion of 2023, Breaks Records Worldwide". Leadership News. Retrieved January 8, 2024.
  50. ^ "Presidency congratulates Rema on MTV award, says music resonates with audiences worldwide". Vanguard. September 15, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  51. ^ Morgan, Maybelle (December 6, 2023). "Rema brings the heat". GQ. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  52. ^ "Full list of winners at Headies 2019". The Nation Newspaper. October 21, 2019. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  53. ^ "#CPMA2020: Citypeople releases nominations for 2020 Music Awards". City People Magazine. November 30, 2020. Archived from the original on October 23, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  54. ^ "Winners Emerge @ City People Music Awards". City People Magazine. November 5, 2019. Archived from the original on November 25, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  55. ^ "Burna Boy wins 2020 BET award, Rema loses". P.M. News. Archived from the original on January 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  56. ^ "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. November 8, 2020. Archived from the original on May 24, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  57. ^ "TFAA 2020 Winners Profile". The Future Awards Africa. December 1, 2020. Archived from the original on March 27, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  58. ^ "Burna Boy, Rema Clinch 2020 MTV EMA Nominations For Best African Act". The Guardian Nigeria News. October 7, 2020. Archived from the original on October 10, 2020. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  59. ^ "See the Full List of 2021 #MTVMAMA Nominees including Tems, Omah Lay and Rema!". BellaNaija. December 9, 2020. Archived from the original on October 28, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  60. ^ "Live Update: All The Winners At The Headies 2020". The Guardian Nigeria News. February 21, 2021. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  61. ^ "Net Honours – The Class of 2021". Nigerian Entertainment Today. Archived from the original on June 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
  62. ^ "African Entertainment Awards USA 2021". African Entertainment Awards USA. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved November 2, 2021.
  63. ^ "2021". Edison Jazz/World. Archived from the original on June 28, 2022. Retrieved March 27, 2022.
  64. ^ "Ganadores 2022 – Premios Odeón" (in Spanish). Odeón Awards. Archived from the original on March 31, 2022. Retrieved March 29, 2022.
  65. ^ "Burnaboy, Black Sherif, Win At The Soundcity MVP Awards 2023 (FULL WINNERS LIST)". African Folder. September 21, 2022. Archived from the original on February 12, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2023.
  66. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (July 12, 2023). "Headies2023: Wizkid, Portable missing, Davido, Asake dominates, full list trends". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  67. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (July 12, 2023). "Headies2023: Wizkid, Portable missing, Davido, Asake dominates, full list trends". Legit.ng - Nigeria news. Archived from the original on July 14, 2023. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  68. ^ Curto, Justin (September 12, 2023). "Here Are the 2023 VMA Winners". Vulture. Archived from the original on September 12, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  69. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (July 12, 2023). "AFRIMMA2023: Music Davido, Tiwa Savage, Rema, Ayra Starr Honoured at 10th AFRIMMA Awards". Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 19, 2023.
  70. ^ Nosa, Oke-Hortons (July 12, 2023). "Rema & Davido Are Top Winners at 2023 Trace Awards, Celebrating African Music (Full Winners List)". Archived from the original on October 24, 2023. Retrieved October 24, 2023.
  71. ^ "BreakTudo Awards 2023: Indicados". BreakTudo Awards (in Brazilian Portuguese). August 24, 2023. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Rema_(musician)&oldid=1233503644"