Every few years, a young artist appears who completely redefines African music. In the late 2010s, that artist was Rema — a teenager from Benin City whose sound, look and attitude reshaped Afrobeats for a new generation. Today, his name stands beside global icons like Burna Boy, Wizkid and Tems. But behind the fame lies a story of faith, resilience and bold experimentation that gave birth to what he calls Afrorave.
Early Life & Background
Rema’s real name is Divine Ikubor, and he was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. Raised in a Christian household, he discovered rhythm and melody through church music. His first performances came not on big stages but during youth services, where he played drums and led small choirs. These formative experiences gave him a grounding in harmony and performance discipline that would later define his artistry.
Life, however, was not always kind. Rema lost his father in 2008 and his elder brother a few years later. As the only son, he stepped up to support his mother, taking small jobs while finishing school. This period of struggle taught him resourcefulness — a trait that surfaces even in his lyrics today, where ambition meets humility.
In interviews, Rema often recalls how he wrote his first lines in secondary school, experimenting with rap and melodic flows. American artists like Drake and Travis Scott fascinated him, but he always infused his writing with the rhythms of Benin City. This blend of global influence and local spirit would later shape the birth of his signature sound.
Breakthrough & Early Career
Rema’s road to fame began online. In 2018, he posted a freestyle video over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. Within days, the clip went viral, catching the attention of D’Prince himself — who quickly signed him to Jonzing World, a new imprint under Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.
At just 18, Rema moved to Lagos to begin recording professionally. His debut self-titled EP Rema arrived in March 2019, introducing audiences to a voice that felt both alien and familiar. The single “Dumebi” became an instant hit across Nigeria, topping charts and racking up millions of YouTube views. With its playful rhythm and futuristic visuals, it hinted at a new sound beyond the traditional Afrobeats template.
By the end of 2019, Rema had won the Next Rated Award at The Headies, confirming his arrival as Nigeria’s most promising new act. His subsequent singles — “Iron Man,” “Lady” and “Bad Commando” — showed unusual sonic range. “Iron Man,” notably, appeared on former US President Barack Obama’s Summer Playlist 2019, a cultural endorsement that accelerated his international recognition.
Rise to Global Fame
While many expected him to peak early, Rema was only beginning to define his lane. He released a string of singles that blurred genres — “Beamer (Bad Boys),” “Ginger Me” and “Soundgasm” — each pushing Afrobeats toward electronic and trap influences. His debut album, Rave & Roses, arrived in March 2022 and marked a turning point.
The project delivered the global anthem “Calm Down.” Produced by Andre Vibez and London, the song was an infectious blend of Afro-pop, melody and youthful charm. The original version dominated African charts, but its remix with Selena Gomez launched it into global orbit. The collaboration reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record 58 weeks — one of the longest chart runs in African music history.
“Calm Down” broke multiple streaming records, surpassing one billion views on YouTube and over two billion Spotify streams. It also earned Rema nominations at the MTV VMAs and Billboard Music Awards, while the remix won Best Afrobeats Song at the 2024 Headies. These achievements cemented his position as one of the most successful Nigerian exports of his generation.
Afrorave: The Birth of a New Sound
To describe his style, Rema coined the term “Afrorave.” Unlike the smooth, mid-tempo rhythms of mainstream Afrobeats, Afrorave infuses darker synths, bass-heavy production and futuristic melodies. It reflects Rema’s dual identity — African roots meeting global experimentation. Songs such as “Are You There?,” “Divine,” and “Alien” embody this blend, combining introspection with electronic energy.
“Afrorave is for those who don’t fit in,” he once explained. “It’s about being African and still breaking boundaries.” The term quickly spread, inspiring new artists who felt limited by genre definitions. Critics now use it to describe the avant-garde edge of modern Afrobeats, much like how “alté” defined underground Lagos creativity a few years earlier.
The HEIS Era & Continued Evolution
In 2024, Rema released his second studio album, HEIS, an acronym that fans interpret as “He Is.” The project represented artistic rebirth — darker, more reflective, yet confident in tone. Tracks like “Benin Boys,” “Charm Reloaded” and “Don’t Leave” showed a maturing sound rooted in storytelling. Lyrically, the album tackled fame, faith and isolation, subjects rarely explored so boldly in Nigerian pop.
The HEIS rollout included striking visuals: surreal short films, symbolic imagery and cryptic teasers that sparked global online conversations. Many drew parallels to Kanye West’s conceptual approach or The Weeknd’s cinematic world-building, proving that Rema’s artistry extends beyond audio into visual storytelling.
Alongside his creative growth came continued accolades. He performed at Coachella 2024, was honoured at the Billboard Afrobeats Summit and became an ambassador for brands like Pepsi and Jordan Brand. Yet, despite his fame, he remains vocal about staying connected to his roots — often referencing Benin City and his late father as motivation behind his drive.
Live Performances, Tours & Global Presence
Rema’s reputation as a studio innovator is matched by his ability to electrify live audiences. His performances combine choreography, live instrumentation and immersive lighting that make his concerts feel like cinematic experiences. Since 2022, he has embarked on several sold-out tours across Africa, Europe and North America, drawing crowds that testify to his cross-continental reach.
The “Rave & Roses World Tour” took him to over twenty cities, including London, Amsterdam, New York and Paris. Fans often describe his stage presence as “magnetic” — he moves with both the precision of a pop star and the spontaneity of a freestyler. His headlining show at London’s O2 Brixton Academy sold out in minutes, and his debut set at Coachella 2023 introduced him to thousands of first-time listeners.
In 2024, he performed alongside Burna Boy at Afro Nation Portugal and appeared on the main stage at Wireless Festival in the UK. These performances, coupled with his inclusion on Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music” list, confirmed his position among Afrobeats’ elite. Rema’s stagecraft reflects his philosophy of Afrorave as experience — sound, visuals and emotion woven into a single narrative.
Style, Image & Influence
Part of Rema’s appeal lies in his image: unpredictable, experimental, and deeply personal. He often wears futuristic masks, silver chains and unconventional hairstyles — a deliberate statement of individuality. While older generations of Nigerian artists leaned toward clean-cut glamour, Rema embraced a darker, cyber-punk aesthetic that symbolises youthful rebellion.
His visual identity is an extension of his music. Videos like “Calm Down” and “Alien” reveal his fascination with technology, spirituality and surrealism. Collaborating with international directors and stylists, he crafts a world that feels global yet uniquely African. Fashion houses such as Dior and Prada have tapped him for campaigns, while streetwear brands reference his look in collections aimed at Gen Z audiences.
Beyond appearances, Rema’s artistic mindset has influenced an entire generation of young Nigerian musicians. Artists including Bloody Civilian, Victony and Ayra Starr often credit him for proving that bold experimentation can still achieve mainstream success. Through Afrorave, he has shown that African pop can expand without losing its soul.
Challenges, Growth & Personal Reflection
Despite his fame, Rema’s journey has not been without struggles. He has spoken openly about losing his father and brother, describing their absence as both a wound and a source of strength. In 2023, he temporarily deactivated his social media accounts, citing the need for mental rest — a move that sparked conversation about the pressures of fame on young African artists.
In interviews, he often stresses balance and gratitude. “I carry Benin with me everywhere,” he once said. “That’s where my spirit was built.” His humility contrasts sharply with his stage persona, but it reveals a deeper maturity. Friends and collaborators describe him as disciplined, often spending long hours in the studio perfecting vocal layers or sound design. This work ethic has turned him from a teenage sensation into a thoughtful craftsman.
Philanthropy & Cultural Contribution
Rema has used his platform to advocate for youth empowerment and education. Through community outreach in Edo State, he funds scholarships and music workshops for students interested in creative arts. He also collaborates with UNICEF Nigeria on awareness projects focused on mental health and digital literacy among teens.
In addition to charity work, his music itself serves as cultural diplomacy. “Calm Down” remains one of the first Afrobeats tracks to achieve heavy rotation on American and European pop radio. Its success opened doors for collaborations between African and Western labels, encouraging greater investment in the continent’s music infrastructure.
Accolades & Awards
Rema’s trophy cabinet continues to expand. He has earned numerous honours, including:
- The Headies Next Rated Award (2019)
- BET Award for Best International Act (2023)
- Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song – “Calm Down” (2023)
- MTV Europe Music Award nominations for Best African Act (2022–2024)
- MOBO Awards recognition for his contributions to global Afrobeats
These accolades not only celebrate his chart success but also recognise his role in pushing the creative boundaries of African pop music. Each award reinforces the legitimacy of Afrorave as a genre capable of standing alongside mainstream global sounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rema?
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter known for pioneering the Afrorave sub-genre of Afrobeats. He is signed to Jonzing World and Mavin Records.
What is Afrorave?
Afrorave is Rema’s unique style that fuses Afrobeats with trap, electronic and alternative influences. It reflects a futuristic African identity and appeals to a global youth audience.
What is Rema’s biggest song?
“Calm Down” remains his most commercially successful track, breaking international chart records and amassing over two billion streams worldwide.
What albums has Rema released?
He has released two studio albums — Rave & Roses (2022) and HEIS (2024).
What awards has he won?
Among many others, Rema has won the Headies Next Rated Award, BET Award for Best International Act and Billboard’s Top Afrobeats Song award.
Is Rema still with Mavin Records?
Yes, Rema remains signed to Mavin Records under the Jonzing World imprint, continuing his long-term collaboration with producer Don Jazzy’s team.
Legacy & Final Reflection
Rema’s story is more than a biography of fame — it’s a blueprint for modern African creativity. In just a few years, he has built a genre, broken global charts and reshaped how the world perceives African youth culture. His blend of vulnerability and bravado reflects a continent in motion, confident enough to lead global pop innovation.
From Benin City to Billboard, Rema’s path proves that authenticity and experimentation can coexist. As he prepares for new projects and tours, his influence continues to ripple through both mainstream music and underground scenes. The rise of Afrorave signals not just his personal evolution, but the ongoing transformation of African sound into a truly global language.
For more profiles on Afrobeats icons, explore Ayra Starr’s Profile, Tems’ Biography, or revisit 2Face Idibia’s story to see how each artist helped shape the continent’s musical legacy.