Rema | |
---|---|
Born | Divine Ikubor 1 May 2000 [1]
Benin City,
Edo, Nigeria |
Other names | |
Citizenship | Nigerian |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2019–present |
Works | Discography |
Awards | Full list |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments |
|
Labels | |
YouTube information | |
Channel | |
Years active | 2017–present |
Genres |
|
Subscribers | 4.17 million [5] |
Total views | 1.630 billion [5] |
Last updated: 9 July 2024 | |
Website |
heisrema |
Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known mononymously as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. After gaining recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram in 2018 to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang", Rema began his professional music career in 2019 with the release of his debut single, " Dumebi". [6] 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. [7] The song spent a record-breaking 58 weeks at number one on the U.S Bilboard Afrobeats Songs chart. [8] His fourth commercial EP, Ravage, was released in 2023. Rema’s second album, Heis, was released in 2024, supported by the lead single " Benin Boys" with Shallipopi. [9]
Divine Ikubor was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. [10] 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. [11] After losing his father and elder brother, Rema was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his life. [1]
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. [12] [13] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts. [14] [15] 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. [16] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist. [11] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack. [17] [18] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr. [19]
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. [20] [21] 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. [22] [23]
After releasing three EPs, Rema debuted his first album, Rave & Roses, on 25 March 2022, under Jonzing World. [24] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. [25] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week. [26] 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. [27] [28] [29] [30] 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. [31] [32] [33] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert. [34] 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. [35] In April 2023, he released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify. [36] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP, [37] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France. [38]
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. [39] [40] 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. [41] [42]
Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise." [43] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage. [44] 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." [45] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history." [46] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer." [47] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists. [48] [49] [50]
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 | 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 | [66] [67] | |
Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||||
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Best Afrobeats Video | Nominated | [ citation needed] | |||
AFRIMMA | Crossing Boundaries with Music Award | Himself | Won | [68] | |
Artist of the Year | Himself | Won | |||
Trace Awards | Song of the Year | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | [69] | |
Best Global African Artist | Himself | Won | |||
Best Male Artist | Himself | Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
BreakTudo Awards | International Rising Artist | Himself | Pending | [70] | |
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 | [ citation needed] | |
Top Afrobeats Artist | Himself | Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
Top Collaboration | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
Top Global 200 Song | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
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 |
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (
link)
Rema | |
---|---|
Born | Divine Ikubor 1 May 2000 [1]
Benin City,
Edo, Nigeria |
Other names | |
Citizenship | Nigerian |
Occupations |
|
Years active | 2019–present |
Works | Discography |
Awards | Full list |
Musical career | |
Genres | |
Instruments |
|
Labels | |
YouTube information | |
Channel | |
Years active | 2017–present |
Genres |
|
Subscribers | 4.17 million [5] |
Total views | 1.630 billion [5] |
Last updated: 9 July 2024 | |
Website |
heisrema |
Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known mononymously as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. After gaining recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram in 2018 to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang", Rema began his professional music career in 2019 with the release of his debut single, " Dumebi". [6] 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. [7] The song spent a record-breaking 58 weeks at number one on the U.S Bilboard Afrobeats Songs chart. [8] His fourth commercial EP, Ravage, was released in 2023. Rema’s second album, Heis, was released in 2024, supported by the lead single " Benin Boys" with Shallipopi. [9]
Divine Ikubor was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. [10] 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. [11] After losing his father and elder brother, Rema was raised by his mother, who played a significant role in shaping his life. [1]
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. [12] [13] In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music's Nigerian charts. [14] [15] 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. [16] Later that summer, another popular song from the EP was featured on former United States President Barack Obama's annual summer playlist. [11] In September 2020, Rema's songs were included on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack. [17] [18] In September 2021, he was unveiled as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, alongside his label mate Ayra Starr. [19]
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. [20] [21] 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. [22] [23]
After releasing three EPs, Rema debuted his first album, Rave & Roses, on 25 March 2022, under Jonzing World. [24] The album features 16 tracks, including collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. [25] It charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart in its debut week. [26] 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. [27] [28] [29] [30] 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. [31] [32] [33] On 7 November 2022, he was awarded for achieving 1 billion streams worldwide during his London concert. [34] 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. [35] In April 2023, he released Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to cross two billion streams on Spotify. [36] On 26 October 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP, [37] and on 30 October 2023, he performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony held Theatre du Châtelet in Paris, France. [38]
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. [39] [40] 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. [41] [42]
Rolling Stone said "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats global rise." [43] Writing for Business Day Anthony Udugba remarked Rema has "expanded the horizons" of African musical impact on the global stage. [44] 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." [45] The Native stated "It’s impossible to erase the mark he has left on Afrobeats history." [46] Victor Okpala said "Rema’s sound has cemented his place as a true musical trailblazer." [47] Many critics have praised him for breaking barriers and inspiring other African music artists. [48] [49] [50]
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 | 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 | [66] [67] | |
Best Collaboration | Nominated | ||||
Song of the Year | Nominated | ||||
Best Afrobeats Video | Nominated | [ citation needed] | |||
AFRIMMA | Crossing Boundaries with Music Award | Himself | Won | [68] | |
Artist of the Year | Himself | Won | |||
Trace Awards | Song of the Year | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Won | [69] | |
Best Global African Artist | Himself | Won | |||
Best Male Artist | Himself | Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
BreakTudo Awards | International Rising Artist | Himself | Pending | [70] | |
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 | [ citation needed] | |
Top Afrobeats Artist | Himself | Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
Top Collaboration | "Calm Down (Remix)" (featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
Top Global 200 Song | "Calm Down (Remix)"
(featuring Selena Gomez) |
Nominated | [ citation needed] | ||
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 |
{{
cite web}}
: CS1 maint: url-status (
link)