Rema is a Nigerian singer and songwriter who has taken the music industry by storm in recent years. Born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Rema started his music career in 2018 and has since become one of the most prominent and successful musicians in Nigeria.
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Early Life and Music Career
Rema was born into a family of six, and his parents were both into music. His father was a choir master, and his mother was a gospel singer. Rema started singing at an early age and was inspired by the likes of Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, and Drake.
He began recording his music while he was still in secondary school, and his unique sound and style soon caught the attention of D'Prince, the CEO of Jonzing World Records. D'Prince signed Rema to his record label and helped him kick off his music career.
Rise to Fame
Rema's rise to fame was swift and unprecedented. His debut single, “Iron Man,” released in 2019, became an instant hit and garnered millions of views on YouTube. The song's success paved the way for Rema's other singles, including “Dumebi,” “Why,” and “Lady.”
Dumebi, in particular, became a massive hit both in Nigeria and abroad, earning Rema millions of fans and followers on social media. The song's catchy beat and lyrics made it a party anthem, and its success helped Rema win several awards, including the Next Rated Award at the 2019 Headies Awards.
Music Style and Influences
Rema's music style is a unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop. He draws inspiration from various genres of music, including hip-hop, R&B, and African rhythms. His lyrics often reflect his life experiences and struggles, and his music is relatable to a wide range of audiences.
Rema has cited Fela Kuti, Michael Jackson, and Drake as some of his biggest musical influences. He admires Fela's activism and use of music as a tool for social change, and he draws inspiration from Michael Jackson's stage performance and showmanship. He also admires Drake's versatility and ability to blend different music genres seamlessly.
Achievements and Awards
Rema's success in the music industry has been nothing short of phenomenal. He has won several awards and accolades in a short space of time, including the Next Rated Award at the 2019 Headies Awards, the Best New International Act at the 2020 BET Awards, and the Viewer's Choice Award at the 2020 Soundcity MVP Awards.
His debut EP, eponymously titled “Rema,” released in 2019, was a massive success, with songs like “Iron Man,” “Dumebi,” and “Why” becoming instant hits. The EP has since been streamed millions of times on various platforms, and Rema has become one of the most streamed Nigerian artists on Spotify.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Rema is a private person and keeps his personal life away from the public eye. He is, however, known to be passionate about giving back to society and uses his platform to support various charitable causes.
In 2020, he donated food items to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria and also organized a charity concert to raise funds for the victims of the Lekki shootings during the #EndSARS protests. He has also supported education initiatives and is a vocal advocate for youth empowerment.
Future Plans
Rema's future in the music industry looks bright, and he has hinted at his plans to expand his sound and explore different music genres. He has collaborated with several international artists, including Becky G, Manny Norte, and Tion Wayne, and has expressed his desire to work with more artists in the future.
He has also hinted at his plans to release a new album soon, which he promises will showcase his growth and evolution as an artist. Fans are eagerly anticipating the release of the album, and Rema has promised not to disappoint.
Conclusion
Rema is a Nigerian musician who has taken the music industry by storm in recent years. His unique sound and style, coupled with his passion for music and philanthropy, have endeared him to millions of fans around the world. His future in the music industry looks bright, and fans can't wait to see what he has in store.
