Rema Biography | iBOUNCE MUSIX

Rema Biography: Afrobeats Superstar from Nigeria

Divine Ikubor, popularly known by his stage name Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has become one of the most recognized and influential young artists in Africa's music scene. Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema rose to prominence in 2019 when he signed a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy. His sound, a unique fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and pop, has gained global attention and redefined the modern wave of Afrobeats music.

Early Life and Background

Rema was born into a Christian family and grew up with a strong religious foundation. He attended primary and secondary school in Benin City, where he began to show signs of his artistic talents early on. At the age of 11, he started rapping in school and church programs, inspired by artists like 2Face, P-Square, and Nigerian gospel rappers. He formed a music group with a friend called “R&P,” performing in local events and talent shows.

Tragedy struck when Rema lost his father and older brother in a short span, events that shaped his emotional depth and spiritual outlook on life. Despite the hardships, he stayed focused on music and leaned into creativity as a form of healing and expression.

Breakthrough and Signing with Mavin Records

Rema’s breakthrough moment came in 2018 when he posted a freestyle video on Instagram to the song “Gucci Gang” by D’Prince. The video caught the attention of D’Prince himself, who reached out and eventually introduced him to Don Jazzy. Impressed by his talent and unique style, Rema was officially signed to Jonzing World/Mavin Records in 2019.

That same year, Rema released his self-titled debut EP "Rema," which included hit singles like "Iron Man," "Dumebi," and "Corny." "Dumebi" in particular became a massive hit, quickly going viral across Nigeria and beyond. The song’s success put Rema in the spotlight and earned him nominations and awards from major platforms such as The Headies, BET, and MTV Base.

Rise to Global Fame

Following the success of his EP, Rema became a global sensation. His song "Iron Man" was even featured on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2019 Summer Playlist. He began to attract international interest and started performing on global stages, collaborating with artists and producers outside Africa.

In 2020, he released more singles like “Beamer (Bad Boys),” “Ginger Me,” and “Woman,” which continued to prove his versatility. Rema effortlessly blended Afrobeats with trap, emo-pop, and dancehall — a sound he described as “Afrorave,” which would later become a movement of its own.

Debut Album: Rave & Roses

In March 2022, Rema released his much-anticipated debut album titled Rave & Roses. The album featured 16 tracks with guest appearances from international artists like Chris Brown, 6lack, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. Songs like “Calm Down,” “Addicted,” and “Soundgasm” stood out as major hits, with “Calm Down” becoming one of his biggest tracks yet.

A remix of “Calm Down” featuring American pop star Selena Gomez was released later in 2022 and became a global smash hit, topping charts in several countries and accumulating hundreds of millions of streams on Spotify and YouTube. The song entered the Billboard Hot 100, further solidifying Rema’s international success.

Musical Style and Influence

Rema’s style is a fusion of Afrobeats, trap, pop, and R&B. He refers to his own genre as “Afrorave,” an evolution of Afrobeats that incorporates rave and futuristic sounds. His ability to sing, rap, and infuse multiple genres into his music has made him stand out in the highly competitive Nigerian music industry.

He draws inspiration from artists such as Wizkid, Burna Boy, Travis Scott, and Kanye West. His fashion sense, music videos, and vocal performance often reflect a strong sense of identity, youth culture, and innovation.

Achievements and Recognition

Rema has received numerous awards and nominations in his short but impactful career. Some of his accolades include:

Next Rated – The Headies (2019)
Soundcity MVP Award for Best New Artist
BET Awards nomination for Best New International Act
MTV EMA nomination

His international collaborations and chart-topping records have made him one of Nigeria’s most-streamed artists globally. He’s performed at major festivals and concerts across Europe, America, and Africa.

Legacy and Impact

Despite his young age, Rema is already considered one of the artists shaping the future of African music. His innovation, confidence, and global appeal have helped push Afrobeats further into mainstream global recognition. Through Afrorave, he is opening doors for even more experimentation and fusion in African music.

Rema has also become a voice for young creatives in Africa, showing that global dreams are achievable through digital platforms, talent, and authenticity. His rise from a small town in Nigeria to the world stage is a testimony to the power of vision, faith, and hard work.

Conclusion

From viral Instagram freestyles to global chart-topping hits, Rema’s journey is only just beginning. With a powerful debut album, millions of fans worldwide, and a unique sound that continues to evolve, Rema is cementing his place as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports. The iBOUNCE MUSIX community will continue to follow and celebrate his growth as he inspires a new generation of artists and fans across the globe.