He’s young, confident, and unapologetically creative — Rema has become one of Nigeria’s biggest musical exports and a voice of the new generation. At just 25, he’s already achieved what many artists only dream of: international fame, Billboard hits, and a sound that’s impossible to ignore.
From “Dumebi” to “Calm Down”, Rema’s journey has been full of unexpected turns, personal battles, and moments that shaped his unique artistry. Whether you’ve been following him from the beginning or just discovered him through his global hit, here are six surprising facts about the man who’s taking Afrobeats to the next level.
1. His Real Name Is Divine — and It Truly Fits
Born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Rema grew up in a modest family where music wasn’t just entertainment — it was a way of life. He started singing and rapping in church at a young age, often performing during youth programs.
Those early performances gave him the confidence to experiment with his voice and style. People who saw him then said he had a spark that stood out — a kind of quiet power that made you stop and listen.
Today, that same energy follows him everywhere. His name “Divine” now feels like destiny fulfilled.
2. His Big Break Started on Instagram
Rema’s story proves how powerful social media can be. In 2018, he recorded a freestyle of D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang” and uploaded it to Instagram. The clip went viral within days, catching D’Prince’s attention.
Impressed by his raw talent, D’Prince reached out and introduced him to Don Jazzy, the founder of Mavin Records, one of Africa’s biggest music labels. That meeting changed Rema’s life forever.
Just a year later, he released his debut EP Rema under Jonzing World (a Mavin affiliate) — featuring his breakout single “Dumebi.” The colorful, youthful music video became an instant hit across Africa and YouTube, introducing the world to his smooth voice and futuristic style.
3. “Calm Down” Made Him a Global Superstar
In 2022, Rema released “Calm Down,” a mid-tempo, feel-good love song that took the world by storm. But when Selena Gomez jumped on the remix later that year, the song became a cultural moment.
The remix topped charts in more than 50 countries, spent over a year on the Billboard Hot 100, and became one of the most streamed Afrobeats songs ever recorded.
Rema told People that working with Selena was “a beautiful experience.” He described her as a “sweet soul” and said their friendship continues beyond the music.
The collaboration didn’t just bring him massive fame — it introduced millions of international listeners to the modern Afrobeats sound. For many, Rema became the face of Nigeria’s new wave.
4. He Created His Own Sound — Afro Rave
While most artists would be content sticking to one genre, Rema has never liked limits. He describes his music as Afro Rave — a futuristic blend of Afrobeats, trap, R&B, and electronic influences.
His sound is experimental but emotional, blending moody chords with infectious rhythms and global appeal.
Rema once said, “I don’t just want to be the king of Afrobeats. I want to be the artist who opens a new door.”
That bold vision has made him stand out from his peers, inspiring a new generation of artists who see no boundaries between African sound and global pop.
5. His Journey Wasn’t Easy
Behind the glitz and fame lies a story of pain and perseverance. Rema lost both his father and older brother when he was still a teenager — losses that left deep emotional scars.
To help his family, he started working odd jobs while still in school. He’s spoken openly about those struggles, saying they taught him humility and discipline.
“I know what pain feels like,” he said in a past interview. “That’s why I put my soul into everything I do.”
That raw emotion is one reason his fans connect so deeply with his music. Beneath the beats and melodies, there’s always honesty — a glimpse of a young man who turned heartbreak into art.
6. He’s Building His Own Legacy
After his debut album Rave & Roses, Rema continued to push boundaries with his next project, HEIS, released in 2024. The album earned him his first Grammy nomination and confirmed his place among the world’s top Afrobeats artists.
From performing at the MTV VMAs to selling out arenas in Europe and America, Rema has become a symbol of African excellence.
But he’s not just focused on music. He’s passionate about fashion, anime, and visual storytelling — often mixing futuristic, sci-fi themes into his music videos and performances. His style, from his signature red braids to bold streetwear looks, reflects his artistic vision: unpredictable, fearless, and ahead of its time.
“I’m not in a race with anyone,” he once said. “I’m in a race with my own potential.”
Fun Fact: He’s a Huge Anime Fan
If you’ve noticed hints of Japanese culture in Rema’s visuals, that’s no coincidence. He’s a longtime anime lover and has even described himself as “an anime character in real life.”
He says anime inspires his creativity, from the way he dresses to the way he tells stories in his videos. It’s that mix of African roots and global imagination that makes Rema truly one of a kind.
Final Thoughts
From a small city in Nigeria to the world’s biggest stages, Rema’s story is one of talent, faith, and resilience. He’s not just making hits — he’s creating a movement that bridges continents and cultures.
At 25, Rema has already changed the sound of Afrobeats. But if his journey so far is anything to go by, this is just the beginning. The “Calm Down” superstar is writing his legacy one song at a time — and the world is listening.
