Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema, born Divine Ikubor, has made headlines with his candid remarks during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, expressing his feelings of underappreciation within the music industry. Despite his significant contributions to the genre and a string of accolades, Rema asserts that he has not received the recognition he deserves as an Afrobeat artist.
In the interview, Rema emphasized that he should not have to wait until he is 30 years old to be acknowledged as a legend in the industry. "I must not be ten years in the game before I can be called a legend or someone who inspires others," he stated, highlighting the need for immediate recognition of artists who are shaping the sound of Afrobeats today.
Rema's rise to fame has been meteoric, with his global hit "Calm Down" making history as the first Afrobeats song to surpass 1 billion on-demand streams in the United States. The song's success at the 2024 ASCAP London Music Awards, where it won both Song of the Year and Top Streaming Song, further solidifies his status as a leading figure in the genre. Yet, Rema feels that the accolades do not translate into the respect he believes he deserves among his peers, particularly when compared to established stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
In a bold declaration, Rema has also suggested a shift in the hierarchy of Nigerian music, coining the term "Big 4" to include himself alongside the genre's traditional powerhouses. "The era of the 'Big 3' is over," he asserted, indicating his confidence in his place at the forefront of Afrobeats. This statement has sparked discussions among fans and industry insiders about the evolving landscape of the genre.
Rema's unique sound, which he describes as Afrorave, blends traditional Afrobeats with influences from Arabian and Indian music, showcasing his versatility and creativity. As he prepares for the release of his upcoming album HE IS, set to drop on July 11, 2024, Rema is poised to further cement his legacy in the music industry.
In closing, Rema expressed his gratitude for the support he has received from fans and emphasized the importance of recognizing the contributions of emerging artists in the Afrobeats genre. "It's time we celebrate the new wave of talent that is pushing Afrobeats to new heights," he concluded.