Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian rapper, singer and songwriter. He was born into a Christian Home in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up singing and rapping while he was in secondary school at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. His father and elder brother are deceased, and Rema was left to look after his mother.
Four: Dumebi
Gaining recognition with the release of “Dumebi” on the 24th of March 2019, the official video of this song has garnered over 72M views on its official music video on YouTube. The music video was directed by Ademola Falomo, produced by Ozedikus and written by Rema, Elena Rose and Igbinoba Osazee.
FYI
- He posted a freestyle on instagram to D’Prince’s track “Gucci Gang” and this caught the attention of D’Prince who later signed him into his label, Jonzing World.
- He is the first ever artist t go on an Indian Tour and having a sold out show.
- “Dumebi” gained more popularity when it was placed in former President of the United States, Barack Obama’s summer playlist.
- In September 2020, Rema’s songs were included on the FIFA 21 Soundtracks.
- He dropped out of the university of Lagos in 2023 due to strike by ASUU.
Three: Charm
With over 64M views on its official video on YouTube and over 86M streams on Spotify “Charm” by Rema was released on the 28th of April, 2023. The song serves as the 10th track on Rema’s EP “Rave and Roses (Ultra)” which was produced by London and written by Rema. It peaked at number 77 on charts in France and Switzerland.
Two: DND
Garnering over 3.5M views on it’s official music video on YouTube, “DND” by Rema serves as the second track off his EP “RAVAGE” which was released on the 27th of October, 2023. The song was produced by P. Priime and written by Rema. “DND” basically is an anthem of self assurance and confidence, empowering listeners to stay focused on their goals and dreams and rise above negativity and distractions.
Bonus: Soweto remix by Victony ft Rema
Garnered over 92.8M streams on Spotify and over 52M views on its official music video on YouTube, Soweto remix by Victony ft Rema and Don Toliver serves as the second remix of the Song propelling the song further. The song has been certified Silver in the United Kingdom.
Awards and Nominations
- “Calm down” won the award for Beat Music Video at the Headies Awards in 2023, it won Top International Song in 2022 & 2023 at the Anghami Year in Music, it won the award for Top Afrobeat song at the Billboard Music Awards in 2023, it also won the award for One Billion Streams Award at the Spotify Plaques Awards and many more.
- He Won the Awards for Best Male Artist, Digital Artist of the Year and African Artist of the Year at the 2023 Headies Awards.
- He also won the Awards for Crossing Boundaries with Music Award and Artist of the Year at the 2023 AFRIMMA AWARDS.
Discography
- Raves and Roses(2022)
- Rema (2019, EP)
- Freestyle (2019, EP)
- Bad Commando (2019, EP)
- Ravage (2023, EP)
One: Calm Down
With over 1.2B streams on Spotify and over 564M views on its official music video on YouTube and on the remix with Selena Gomez had over 773M views on its YouTube video. He received wide; recognition for his 2022 single “Calm Down”,which spawned a remix with American singer Selena Gomez that peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100,13 and led the United States Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks. Furthermore, it became regarded as the most internationally successful song in the Afrobeats genre. “Calm down” was released from his debut studio album “Rave and Roses” on the 11th of February, 2022. The song is widely regarded as the biggest and most successful Afrobeats song of all time.
