As Rema prepares to headline the upcoming Afro Nation festival in Detroit this August, alongside other heavyweights in the industry, it’s clear that his star power shows no signs of dimming, per newpittsburghcourier.com. The two-day event, featuring artistes like Ayra Starr, Lil Wayne and Asake, is set to be a showcase of Afrobeats’ growing influence on the global music scene.
In a whirlwind year that has seen him dominate charts and captivate audiences worldwide, Nigerian artiste Rema has firmly established himself as Afrobeats’ brightest new star. Born Divine Ikubor in Benin City, Nigeria, Rema’s journey from posting freestyles online to headlining major international festivals is nothing short of remarkable.
The 24-year-old singer-songwriter shot to global fame with his hit single “Calm Down,” featuring pop icon Selena Gomez. The track made history as the longest-charting Afrobeats song on the Billboard Hot 100, maintaining its position for an astounding 64 consecutive weeks. This unprecedented success has catapulted Rema into the mainstream US market, bridging the gap between Afrobeats and pop music.
Rema’s rapid ascent hasn’t gone unnoticed by the entertainment industry. In the past year alone, he has graced prestigious stages worldwide, from the Balloon d’Or ceremony in Paris to the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. Most recently, he performed at the Jordan Brand’s “The One Finals” event in Paris, further cementing his status as a global icon.
July 2024 marked another milestone in Rema’s career with the release of his highly-anticipated second studio album, Heis. The 11-track project follows the success of his debut album Rave & Roses and is expected to solidify his position at the forefront of the Afrobeats genre.
In a recent interview with Billboard Magazine at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Rema shared advice for aspiring artistes: “Be true to yourself, be true to your sound… Keep real ones around you, people who will tell you if it’s good or if it’s not good. Stay grounded, whatever level you get to, and keep your family close.”
With his unique sound, undeniable talent, and meteoric rise, Rema is not just riding the Afrobeats wave – he’s leading it. As he continues to break records and push boundaries, the music world eagerly anticipates what this young superstar will do next. For now, it’s clear that there’s no ‘calming down’ for Rema as he continues to redefine the Afrobeats genre and inspire a new generation of artistes.
- Featured image: Rema/File
