Divine Ikubor, born May 1, 2000, professionally known as Rema, is a talented Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter. He came into prominence following the release of the hit song Iron Man in 2019 after he was signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
Early Life and Education
Hailing from the vibrant city of Benin City in Edo State, Rema’s journey in music began to take shape within the nurturing embrace of a Christian household. From a young age, the seeds of artistic expression were sown, and Rema’s innate talent began to flourish.
During his high school years, Rema’s passion for both rap and singing found an outlet, as he fearlessly delved into the world of musical performance. Armed with boundless creativity and an insatiable thirst for self-expression, he honed his skills, crafting verses and melodies that resonated with his peers and teachers alike.
Rema’s educational voyage unfolded within the esteemed halls of Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. From his formative years in primary studies to the pursuit of knowledge in secondary education, Rema navigated the corridors of academia while nurturing his deep love for music. It was during this pivotal period that he cultivated his artistry, balancing his studies with his unwavering commitment to his musical craft.
These formative experiences, both within and beyond the classroom, provided Rema with a solid foundation upon which he would build his extraordinary musical career. The fusion of academic growth and artistic exploration fueled his relentless pursuit of excellence, propelling him towards the remarkable success and global acclaim he enjoys today.
As Rema’s star continues to shine brightly, his journey remains a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and the unwavering support of his upbringing. From the vibrant streets of Benin City to the stages that now grace his presence, Rema’s story serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists, reminding them that with passion, resilience, and an unwavering belief in their abilities, the world is theirs to conquer.
Career
In a serendipitous turn of events, Rema took a leap of faith in 2018 when he shared a captivating freestyle rendition of D’Prince’s hit track “Gucci Gang” on the digital stage of Instagram. Little did he know that this moment of musical brilliance would resonate far beyond the screen, catching the attention of none other than D’Prince himself.
The renowned Nigerian artist was spellbound by Rema’s raw talent and undeniable potential. Recognizing a diamond in the rough, D’Prince wasted no time in extending an extraordinary opportunity to the young musician. Driven by an unwavering belief in Rema’s capabilities, D’Prince swiftly orchestrated a life-changing encounter, summoning him to the vibrant city of Lagos.
With a one-way ticket to the epicenter of Nigeria’s music industry, Rema embarked on a journey that would forever alter the trajectory of his life. As he stepped foot onto the bustling streets of Lagos, he embraced a world filled with limitless possibilities and untapped potential. In the presence of D’Prince, Rema was offered a coveted record deal, a golden ticket that would pave the way for his meteoric rise to stardom.
This remarkable twist of fate validated Rema’s undeniable talent and reaffirmed his unwavering passion for music. It was a testament to the power of social media and the immense impact it can have on an aspiring artist’s journey. Through his mesmerizing freestyle, Rema had sent a message that transcended the digital realm, resonating with the hearts of those who recognized his extraordinary gift.
With the record deal in hand, Rema embarked on a transformative chapter, honing his skills, refining his artistry, and crafting the signature sound that would captivate audiences around the globe. The fortuitous encounter with D’Prince not only provided Rema with a platform to share his unique musicality but also propelled him towards becoming one of Nigeria’s most celebrated and influential young talents.
As Rema’s star continues to ascend, his journey remains a testament to the power of seizing opportunities, taking risks, and showcasing one’s authentic talents. The fateful encounter with D’Prince served as a catalyst for Rema’s artistic evolution, serving as a reminder to artists everywhere that sometimes, all it takes is one moment, one freestyle, to set the wheels of destiny in motion.
D’Prince’s label and Rema agreed to a record agreement. Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Don Jazzy‘s Mavin Records, in 2019.
In 2019, he followed up with the self-titled debut EP “Rema,” which reached the top spot on Apple Music Nigeria.
The music video for “Dumebi,” a standout track from his self-titled EP, was released on May 21 by Jonzing World and Mavin’s.
Diana Eneje made a brief cameo appearance in the video which was directed by Ademola Falomo. The video has received 56 million YouTube views thus far.
Rema announced in May 2021 that he would be calling his style “Afrorave,” a subgenre of Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian music influences. As a result, he has one of the strongest fan bases in the nation, known as Ravers.
Along with his labelmate Ayra Starr, Rema was introduced as a brand ambassador for the well-known soft drink Pepsi in September 2021.
Rema’s debut EP Rema was released in 2019 following the signing of a record deal with Jonzing World.
On March 25, 2022, he published his debut album Rave & Roses, which came after two additional EPs. 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult are among the 16 artists who appear on the album.
Following its debut week, the album debuted with 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart.
Five months after its official release, his single “Calm Down,” which features a sample from the song “So Fine” by fellow Nigerian musician Crayon, started to climb the charts.
He collaborated with Selena Gomez to release a remix of his song “Calm Down” on August 26, 2022.
Rema won Next Rated on October 19, 2019, and she was nominated for Viewer’s Choice at the 13th annual Headies.
On the remarkable journey of his burgeoning career, Rema has garnered recognition and accolades that solidify his status as a rising star in the music industry. One such momentous occasion came on January 12, 2020, when he triumphantly claimed the prestigious Soundcity MVP Award for Best New Artist. This coveted honor served as a testament to Rema’s exceptional talent, captivating audiences and industry professionals alike with his unique blend of artistry and musical prowess.
The accolades continued to pour in for Rema, as his meteoric rise caught the attention of the esteemed BET Awards. In a resounding affirmation of his global appeal, he found himself nominated for the highly esteemed category of Best Viewers’ Choice: International Act at the 2020 BET Awards. This prestigious recognition highlighted Rema’s ability to transcend boundaries, captivating fans from all corners of the world with his infectious melodies and captivating performances.
The nomination itself was a testament to the impact Rema had made in a relatively short span of time, solidifying his position as an artist who had not only captured the hearts of his Nigerian audience but had also garnered international acclaim. It served as a resounding validation of his talent, confirming that his unique musicality resonated on a global scale.
These accolades, be it the Soundcity MVP Award or the BET Awards nomination, stand as milestones on Rema’s remarkable journey. They bear testament to his remarkable artistry, his ability to connect with audiences on a profound level, and his unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries and creating music that transcends cultural barriers.
As Rema continues to forge his path in the music industry, these accolades serve as beacons of inspiration, reminding him of the immense impact his music has had and the boundless potential that lies ahead. With each award and nomination, Rema’s star shines brighter, guiding him towards a future brimming with limitless possibilities and the promise of greatness.
He shared the honors nomination with Burna Boy and Wizkid, the two other Nigerian acts nominated for the 2020 awards.
The song Woman by Rema peaked at number fifteen on the global digital song sales chart.
Rema is an outstanding young singer who has taken the music industry with storm, dropping hit songs back to back.
Rema Net Worth
Rema is a popular Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has a net worth of around $1.5 million.
Rema makes money through music and endorsement deals which has kept him going and living a successful life despite being young.
Personal Life
Rema is a fan of Manchester United, one of the most successful football clubs in England.
In a tweet on September 28, 2020, he made accusations against the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) regarding the passing of his father, Justice Ikubor, a former party chieftain.
Rema announced on Twitter that he has been admitted to the University of Lagos in order to realize his mother’s lifelong academic aspiration.
Social Media
- Instagram: @heisrema
- Twitter: @heisrema