Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has revealed that Afrobeats star Rema supported him with an amount of N40 million to support his record ‘Pity This Boy.’
The rapper made this known in a post on X, describing it as a monumental gesture.
“Rema gave me 40 million naira to support ‘Pity This Boy’ record. 40 million naira. Write that down in Nigerian music folklore. The Machine,” he wrote.
He has also called for it to be documented as part of Nigeria’s music history.
Odumodublvck, known for gritty street anthems and unapologetic lyrical delivery, recently released Pity This Boy, a track already gaining traction on streaming platforms and social media.
The financial backing from Rema is expected to further boost the song’s visibility and impact within and beyond the Nigerian music space.
He had also disclosed a surreal moment when Davido reached out to share a dream he had about him.
“Davido called me, said he dreamt about me twice,” Odumodublvck posted. “He had to call me—we should record Grooving Grooving ASAP. It’s a hit on arrival.”
Odumodublvck, known for his energetic style and unique blend of hip-hop and Nigerian street culture, has steadily risen through the ranks of the music industry.
With breakout hits like “Declan Rice” and “Royal Fanbase,” he earned a reputation for authenticity and lyrical boldness.
Despite his growing success, he remains vocal about the struggles that come with being an independent artist.
Known for fusing gritty storytelling with Afro-fusion sounds, the rapper is expected to deliver another impactful project, this time with an even stronger backing.
Nigerian afrobeat artist Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has shared how losing his father at a young age shaped his childhood.
In a recent interview with GRM, the 24-year-old revealed that the passing of both his father and brother compelled him to “give up” his childhood early in order to support his family.
Rema described how this tragedy placed immense pressure on him, depriving him of the carefree and joyful experiences typical of childhood.
He conveyed a deep desire to “feel young again,” emphasizing how the demands of early adulthood have impacted his life and career.
He said, “I really wanted to feel like a child again… I feel like I grew up too fast. Life switched up on me crazy when I lost my dad and my brother. The weight was just on my shoulder and forced me to sell my childhood to provide for my family.
“I also thought maybe after hustling and doing my little beats in Ghana, and all the little hustles I put my hands into, I thought it was going to end there, but music picked up. I then had to go on to that end and grind and grind. God willing, everything happened well and happened fast. With fast fame came fast maturity, and it’s like a never-ending level of seriousness. There were so many adults and so many meetings, that I didn’t even roll with my agemates.”
‘I’m not sure I even rolled with the 19- or 18-year-olds. When I was 17, I didn’t see a fellow 17-year-old, and when I was 20, everyone was five, six, or ten years older. Now with this project, I just want to be a child, and it’s just coming out. I just want to feel young again and be a rebel again. I just got tired, and I put that freedom in my music.”
“I just want to feel young again. I just want to be a rebel. You know, kids make mistakes, and it’s acceptable. But when you’re a teenager and you make the same mistake your peers would make, everyone will come for you just because you’re in the spotlight.
“I know people who smoked a cigarette when they were 13 and I’m 24 smoking a cigarette because I just want to feel free and break some rules. All my life just feels so planned and so much scheduled. I just got tired, and I put that freedom in my music.”
During a recent interview with GRM, Nigerian singer Rema responded to reports of receiving a staggering $3 million for his performance at the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant in India.
Though he didn’t delve into details, he acknowledged the payment with a playful “Hehehe. That’s what I can say, to be honest.”
Rema shared his deep affection for India and its people, reflecting on the overwhelming reception he experienced during his tour.
He emphasized the groundbreaking nature of his achievement, noting that he might be the first Afrobeat artist and possibly the first African artist—to tour India.
Expressing gratitude for the support he’s received, Rema remarked, “I love India. India loves me, too. It’s just beautiful to see how something I was once trolled for has now become a source of success. Imagine if I had let the negativity change my sound four years later, it’s still paying off, and there’s more to come.”
Rema also recounted the unexpected level of recognition he encountered across India, where paparazzi followed him even during casual outings.
He described the love and attention as surpassing even what he experiences in Nigeria, underscoring the significance of his connection with the Indian audience.
Nigeria’s Afrobeat sensation, Rema, has disclosed that his initial job experience was working at a beach bar in Ghana.
The 24-year-old shared that he had to grow up fast after the passing of his father and brother.
“At some point, things got hard, and I had to man up. My past life has the same effect on my present life. I had to work hard because I lost my brother and I lost my dad, and I was the only one; things were left to me. I had to put things in place. So, I had to work hard; I did all sorts of things.
“I worked at a beach bar; that was my first job in Ghana,” he stated during an interview on Capital Xtra.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter.
He gained global recognition with his hit track “Calm Down,” which includes a remix featuring pop star Selena Gomez.
Rema‘s “Calm Down” continues to rewrite music history, securing its place as the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the US. This achievement marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old Nigerian star.
Chart Data, a music monitoring platform, recently announced that “Calm Down” has become the first Afrobeats song ever to surpass one billion on-demand streams in the US, solidifying its status as the “most successful African song of all time,” as previously described by Chart Data last year.
Billboard magazine’s music analysts attribute the song’s success to its melancholic slow jam and subtle hypnotic allure. Its captivating nature embeds itself in listeners’ minds, compelling them to revisit it repeatedly.
Originally released in February 2022 as a single from Rema’s debut album “Rave and Roses,” the track gained further traction when Rema collaborated with US singer Selena Gomez for a remix, which achieved the billion-plays milestone on Spotify.
This remix also made history by becoming the first African song to spend a year on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, reaching number three and setting a record for the highest-charting song led by an Afrobeats artist.
The remix’s music video, boasting nearly 894 million views on YouTube, stands as the most-watched by a Nigerian artist, catapulting Rema into the upper echelons of prominent Afrobeats artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Embracing his unique style, Rema has coined the term “Afrorave” to describe his distinctive blend within the Afrobeats genre.
A recently surfaced video on social media shows Nigerian artist Rema enjoying himself at an undisclosed nightclub, reportedly located in Dubai.
The musician wasn’t alone, as he was spotted alongside renowned public figure Floyd Mayweather.
In the video, both personalities can be seen interacting, although the content of their conversation remains unclear. Their rapport suggested a familiarity that hinted at a longstanding connection between the two.
Nigerian superstar Rema grabbed attention at the 2024 Dreamville Festival in North Carolina when he walked off stage during his performance on Sunday.
The festival, spanning April 6 and 7, showcased top-tier artists like J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, Monica, and Muni Long. Rema shared the stage with these music icons on day 2.
However, during his performance of ‘Calm Down,’ a hit track, Rema paused due to sound problems.
A video circulating online captures Rema expressing frustration with the sound quality, calling it “messed up” and affecting his ability to deliver a top-notch performance.
He not only highlighted the sound issues but also advocated for fair treatment regarding sound quality for all artists, stressing the need for an equal playing field to ensure optimal performances.
“Hold on, there are too many sound issues. It is messing up my whole performance, I am seriously not feeling this sh*t at all,” he remarked.
“It is too messed up. I am representing Africa, this is too messed up. If the sound cannot be perfect for every artist that gets on this stage… Africa is in the house and you are messing sh*t up? I will walk out this stage bruh, fix it!”
In another clip, Rema reiterated his concerns about the sound before exiting the stage.
“Too many sound issues my people, I love you goodnight,” he concluded. This incident isn’t the first time Rema has left a stage due to production issues.
In July 2023, he made headlines for a similar exit during a performance in Atlanta, citing dissatisfaction with the venue and alleging disrespect toward him and Afrobeats music.
Nigerian musical prodigy, Rema, has etched his name in history by becoming the first African artist to clinch a prestigious music accolade in China.
The groundbreaking achievement unfolded at the 2024 Hito Music Awards in the Republic of China, where Rema’s collaboration with American icon Selena Gomez on the ‘Calm Down’ remix secured the coveted title of Best Collaboration of the Year.
Rema’s triumph sets him apart as one of the select few international musicians to receive the esteemed Taiwanese prize, sharing the spotlight with notable American and British performers.
Notably, the ceremony featured the presence of American pop sensation Taylor Swift, boasting more than six Grammys, as one of the illustrious global artists in attendance.
This landmark victory not only cements Rema’s status as a burgeoning star but also underscores the widespread appeal of African music on the global stage.
The resonance of his music extends beyond borders, further reinforcing the burgeoning influence of African musical talent.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ had already earned the distinction of being crowned the world’s most Shazamed song of 2023.
The track’s fusion of afrobeats and contemporary pop elements struck a harmonious chord with listeners worldwide, catapulting it to viral stardom.
Originally released in 2022, ‘Calm Down’ quickly gained popularity, marking the first African song to claim the top spot on the Global Shazam Year-End chart.
The music identification app, Shazam, reported an unprecedented surge in user searches for ‘Calm Down,’ ultimately propelling it to become the most Shazammed song of the year.
In a head-to-head competition on Apple Music in 2023, the remix of ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez emerged as the most globally streamed song, attesting to the widespread admiration for Rema’s unique style and infectious melodies.
In a surprising twist, Afrobeat sensation Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, recently made a memorable visit to the opulent residence of billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu in Lagos state.
The singer’s courtesy call quickly became the talk of social media, with Tony Elumelu sharing a series of photos and videos on January 13, 2024, capturing the joyful moments from the encounter.
The shared visual content portrayed the lively interaction between Rema and the Elumelu family, providing a glimpse into the warmth of their time together.
During the visit, Rema not only met with Tony Elumelu but also had the pleasure of engaging with his wife, Awele, and their children.
This heartwarming visit highlighted the seamless blend of music and business, showcasing the camaraderie between two influential figures from different spheres of life.
Fans and followers of both Rema and Tony Elumelu were captivated by the opportunity to witness this special encounter, and as the photos and videos continued to circulate on social media, anticipation grew for more glimpses into this interaction.
Netizens eagerly await further insights into the positive influence that may emerge from this unique meeting.
Nigerian singer Rema won’t be doing any shows in December because he needs to take care of his health.
On Instagram, the Afrobeats star said he didn’t take care of his health because he was always on tour.
The famous person, who had upcoming performances in Nigeria and South Africa, said it’s time to rest and get better.
“It makes me sad to say that I won’t be doing any shows in December. ” I have been traveling for many years and I haven’t taken care of my health. Now, I need time to rest and get better. “We will go again in 2024, my love,” he said.
The singer has had many popular songs this year, especially “Calm Down” which he sings with Selena Gomez. It has broken many records for streaming and chart rankings.
The song was the most searched on Shazam in 2023 around the world and won the best Afrobeats song at the Billboard Music Awards last week.
Earlier this month, he impressed famous football players at the Ballon D’Or awards. Also, his song Calm Down made history by being the longest-charting and most successful African song ever on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US.
“Davido supports Rema’s decision to cancel his shows and thinks he has done a great job. ”
“The job is really hard, both physically and mentally. You have made Africa and the world very proud, more than anyone expected. ” “Take a break, recover, and return even stronger,” he said.
Rising Afrobeats artist Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has addressed accusations regarding “demonic” masks worn during his performances, stating that they are replicas of the bronzes worn by his ancestors.
Following his show at London’s 02 Arena, Rema faced criticism and Illuminati rumours.
A supporter from Benin City defended Rema, asserting that the mask belonged to Queen Idia, a symbol of the Benin Kingdom.
“Rema is trying to lure his fans into his demonic rituals”
He emphasised that he aims to redefine Edo State and showcase it globally.
In his words, “RAVAGE UPRISING/My Ancestorsbronzes sit in the museum of this very city so I remade mine. Hence, Edo is redefined, the map reshaped, your minds awakened & the mask reborn. Thank you, London!????????”
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has joined forces with basketball legend Michael Jordan, along with NBA stars like Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic, to promote the Michael Jordan brand.
At 23 years old, Rema is a standout Nigerian musical talent recognized on the global stage. A recent photo of Rema with Michael Jordan, an iconic sports figure and one of the world’s wealthiest individuals, ignited excitement and speculation among fans regarding a potential collaboration between the two.
Fueling the anticipation, Rema hinted at a partnership with the Jordan brand by sharing a post featuring a customized pair of Jordan sneakers with his name engraved on them.
Now, this emerging African star proudly proclaims his official ambassadorship with the Jordan brand, establishing him as the first African talent, whether in the realm of entertainment or sports, to unite with the renowned sports icon.
“I’m now with the Jordan family at age 23, the irony,” he captioned a post.
In the post, Rema is spotted wearing a jump man sweater. The correlating video shows him with the Jordan family and paying homage to Michael Jordan and the late fashion designer, Virgil Abloh.
The deal emphasizes Rema’s undeniable marketability, solidifying his position as one of the most sought-after Nigerian singers in 2023.
The announcement follows Rema’s historic performance at the Ballon d’Or Awards ceremony, where he captivated an audience that included football luminaries like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland, and David Beckham.
Rema delivered a captivating rendition of his global hit ‘Calm Down’ at the Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris, making him the first African artist to grace the Ballon d’Or stage.
Renowned Nigerian singer, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema has confidently stated that he has already achieved enough to secure a place in the Afrobeats Hall of Fame.
At 23 years old, he has no intentions of quitting music in the near future. Rema believes that even if he were to stop his music career today, his name would still be prominently featured in the “Afrobeats bible.” In his words, if there were such a book, he would be on the front page of the “New Testament
Rema was on the cover of the fourth edition of The New Wave issue of i-D Magazine.
“I’m not saying I want to stop. But if I say I want to stop right now, my name is still going to be on the Afrobeats bible, if there is an Afrobeats bible to be dropped. I’ll literally be in the New Testament, on the front page,” he said.
The ‘Calm Down’ crooner also recounted how he was mocked because of his Bollywood-soundtrack-themed sound when he hit stardom in 2019.
He said, “Everything they doubted, everything they laughed at me for, I built on it. They called me Indian Boy; I went to India. I’m the first artist to shut down four cities in India, 5000 capacity and above. No one can deny that I’ve impacted Afrobeats on a global scale.”
It’s almost time, London O2 Arena Nov 14th! @TheO2
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, made history by being the first African to perform at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony.
He delivered a rendition of his worldwide hit track ‘Calm Down’ at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony held in Paris, France. The event took place at the Theatre du Chatelet.
In a video posted on the Ballon d’Or official page on X (formerly known as Twitter), Rema’s performance included two backup dancers and captivated the audience for three minutes. Some of the guests were seen nodding along or singing as the musician engaged with the top footballers in the front row, even shaking hands with them.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ track had achieved widespread success and was a chart-topper, with a remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez. It was the same song he serenaded the crowd with at the prestigious event, which featured both past and present football stars.
In 2023, Rema has made appearances on various global stages, including the 2023 NBA All-Stars game.
Popular Nigerian singer Rema has refuted claims of joining the Illuminati, a secret society often speculated to have links to the entertainment industry.
Taking to his Instagram Stories, Rema encouraged his fans to inform one another about his background and heritage. He expressed that he has been putting in diligent efforts for a considerable period of time.
He said that he has been working hard for a long time and that his success is not due to any supernatural forces.
Rema wrote, “Day 1 Ravers, help me educate the new Ravers that I have been on this bat shit for a long time. You all would have so much clarity if you easily Google where I’m from, what the key colors of my heritage are, what flies in the skies of Benin every evening, etc.
“As I evolve, my execution will evolve unapologetically. Please know your artist. It is why I do interviews. And that Illuminati talk is trash. I work too hard to create art for you guys to give the glory to some diabolical shit. Dead it now. Jesus is King.’
Rumors about celebrities, such as the one claiming Rema joined the Illuminati, are just one of many circulating in the entertainment industry.
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, had the honor of meeting Rwandan President Paul Kagame at the presidential palace in Kigali on Sunday.
Rema was in Kigali to attend the 2023 Trace Music Awards, where he received two prestigious awards: Global African Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for his track ‘Calm Down.’
During his visit to the President, the music star expressed his feelings, saying, “Coming to Rwanda gives me the sense of being in a place where I can relax and feel at home without the need to travel overseas.”
“A lot of time we just want to take that break, we just want to lay back… I feel like with here we can serene energy, that vibe. And I feel like it’s even going to be a bigger thing when we [Africans] start uniting.
Nigerian musician Rema, known for being one of the youngest and most prominent artists in Nigeria and the world, is set to perform in Rwanda during the Trace Awards.
This highly anticipated event is scheduled for October 21, 2023, at the BK Arena in Kigali. The confirmation of Rema’s performance was made by Trace co-founder and executive chairman Olivier Laouchez.
Rema, who is a major artist signed to Mavin Records and a significant figure in the Afrobeats music scene, will join a star-studded lineup at the Trace Awards. This includes other notable artists such as Davido, Asake, Olamide, Yemi Alade, Diamond Platnumz, Kizz Daniel, and many more.
It’s an exciting event for music enthusiasts in Rwanda and the region, as it brings together a diverse array of talent to celebrate and showcase the vibrant music scene in Africa.
“We are happy to announce that Rema will be here with us at the Trace Awards. He is nominated under different categories and he will bless us with a performance”, he said.
South African singer Tyla Laura Seethal, professionally known as Tyla, has shared her interest in going on a date with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema.
During a recent interview with Apple Music, Tyla was asked about the celebrity she would like to take to prom, and she mentioned Rema as her choice.
This revelation has sparked the interest of fans and the media, as it suggests a potential romantic interest or admiration between the two talented artists.
She said, “Rema would be cute. I hung out with him last year, and we took pictures together. That was so dramatic.
“After that situation I realised that Hollywood is just vibes like you can’t trust everything you see cause that looked like a scandal. Even I started believing [we were dating]. But we are just friends.”
It will be recalled that Rema sparked relationship rumours with Wizkid’s ex, Justin Skye, after he thrilled her to a birthday date in August.
There have been rumors in the past suggesting that Rema might be in a romantic relationship with his label mate Ayra Starr. However, Ayra Starr has publicly debunked these rumors, describing Rema as a “brother.”
This clarification from Ayra Starr suggests that their relationship is a close and platonic one rather than a romantic involvement.
“Rema is the celebrity I would like to take me to prom”
Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema‘s song Calm Down has dropped off the Billboard Hot 100 after a record-breaking 57 weeks.
The music tracking service Chart Data announced on X that the song “made history, becoming the longest-charting and most successful African song of all time.”
The song broke the 35-week record that fellow Nigerian Afrobeats artist Wizkid’s song Essence had previously held.
About seven months after its release, in September of last year, Calm Down debuted on the Billboard Hot 100.
Since its release, the mesmerising song—described by Billboard magazine’s music analysts as “a melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw”—has captured the attention of music lovers all over the world.
Despite having a small part in the song, American pop star Selena Gomez’s appearance on Calm Down contributed to its enormous global popularity.
The song became the highest-charting song on which an Afrobeats musician was the lead artist when it peaked at position three on the Billboard Hot 100, the most prestigious music ranking in the US.
After hearing that the song had left the Billboard Hot 100 chart, fans of Rema and Selena praised the song’s historic accomplishment.
It has broken more than a dozen records. Last month it became the most streamed Afrobeats song on Spotify and the first African artist-led song to hit one billion streams on the music platform.
“We can’t Calm Down, Rema has entered the Billions Club with the first African artist-led track to hit a billion streams on Spotify! Congratulations to Rema and Selena Gomez,” Spotify posted on X when Calm Down set the record.
Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, widely recognized as Rema, achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural Best Afrobeats award at the MTV Video Music Awards in Newark, New Jersey, USA, on Tuesday.
Rema secured this accolade for his collaborative work with international star Selena Gomez on the track titled ‘Calm Down.’
Among the nominees for the Best Afrobeats award were Burna Boy’s ‘It’s Plenty,’ Davido feat. Musa Key’s ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Libianca’s ‘People,’ Wizkid feat. Ayrra Starr’s ‘2 Sugar,’ and Fireboy DML’s ‘Bandana.’ Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ emerged as the standout winner.
Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema has conveyed a unifying message in his acceptance speech at the 2023 Headies Awards held in Atlanta, USA.
Rema was recognized with the award for Best Male Artiste of the Year at this prestigious event.
During his acceptance speech, Rema emphasized the importance of unity among artists, regardless of their music styles. He underscored the idea that all artists ultimately come together under the Afrobeats genre when it comes to award shows.
Rema’s remarks reflected his appreciation for the institutions that played a significant role in his successful music career, including media houses and award organizers.
“I must say it is very important that I should let everyone know that I’m not here because of the awards,” Rema expressed.
“I’m here because it is important to support our institutions. And when I said institutions, I mean the bodies that support you to be able to achieve these major successes; the media houses, award organizers, you know.”
He added, “We are in a very sensitive period. If we don’t give our attention to our institutions, we will miss this chance that we have. And we will never have this chance again.”
Rema emphasised the unity of the music industry further by stating that, regardless of the subgenre, artists would eventually unite under the Afrobeats banner for award ceremonies.
“Be it afrorave, afro this, afro that, last last, we go jam for afrobeats award. So, this is our chance. We [Afrobeats artists] are not the first to do it. Reggae has done it before,” Rema concluded, promoting unity and collaboration within the music industry.
Over the weekend, the 16th edition of the Headies Awards took place in Atlanta, Georgia, marking another magnificent celebration of the finest talents in the Nigerian music industry.
Since its inception in 2006, the Headies Awards has been a pivotal platform for recognizing and honoring the remarkable advancements within the Nigerian music landscape, solidifying its status as the most prestigious accolade in Nigerian music.
The 2023 award ceremony witnessed exceptional success, with Rema from Mavins Record shining as one of the night’s brightest stars. The teenage sensation secured three Headies trophies, including “African Artiste of the Year,” “Digital Artiste of the Year,” and “Best Male Artiste of the Year,” reaffirming his position as a rising star in Nigerian music.
Another standout at the 16th Headies Awards was Asake, who clinched two awards: “Album of the Year” and “Next Rated Act Award.” Asake’s talent and potential have not gone unnoticed, and his victories at the Headies underscore his capacity to become a significant force in both the Nigerian and global music scenes in the years ahead.
Global music icon Burna Boy expanded his already impressive collection of accolades at this year’s awards. He secured the “Afrobeat Single of the Year” and the “Best R&B Song Award,” further cementing his status as a heavyweight in the music industry.
The 16th Headies Awards showcased the vibrancy and diversity of Nigerian music, with artists from various genres and backgrounds coming together to celebrate their achievements. The event’s second consecutive year in Atlanta, Georgia, demonstrated its widespread global appeal and influence.
Selena Gomez, the American singer and actress, has shared her admiration for Nigerian afrobeats sensation Rema, disclosing that she was a fan of his music even before their collaboration on the ‘Calm Down’ remix.
She revealed that her appreciation for Rema’s work began with his song ‘Runaway’ and that the collaboration was a result of their mutual respect for each other’s talent.
Selena said she accepted to work with Rema because she loves his demeanor, stressing that she “just wanna take care of him.”
During his appearance on the most recent VA 100 New York Podcast, the 32-year-old celebrity made this disclosure.
She said, “I actually fell in love with the song ‘Runaway’ before I fell in love with ‘Calm down.’ I literally was a fan of his. But it [remixing ‘Calm Down’] was all like kind of his idea.
“When I met him, I honestly was so impressed by his demeanor, how humble and how grateful he is for every moment. And, I just couldn’t pick someone else who deserves all this success in the world. He is so kind. I don’t know, I just wanna like take care of him [laughs].”
Nigerian superstar Rema, walked off the stage in anger during his performance in Atlanta.
Rema abruptly ended his show following the venue’s unsatisfactory conditions. A video of the incident quickly went viral on social media, showing Rema getting on stage and performing just two songs before displaying visible frustration and angrily departing from the stage.
Before leaving, the singer addressed his disappointed fans, offering sincere apologies and assuring them that he would reschedule the show in Atlanta.
Voicing his grievances, Rema conveyed his disappointment in the show organizers, accusing them of showing disrespect not only towards him as an artist but also towards the entire Afrobeats genre. The incident highlights the significance of providing artists with suitable conditions and respect, ensuring a positive experience for both performers and their fans.
“We don’t move like this; Afrobeats is way too big to move like this. I don’t take no rubbish and I respect my fans.
“I’m going to reschedule this show [because] they have disrespected me and disrespected Afrobeats by treating you guys like this. I love you,” he said.
A new commercial featuring Rema and NBA legend Michael Jordan has returned him to the trending list.
Rema and Chicago Bulls legend Jordan could be seen posing for the “JUMPMAN 23” advertisement in the star-studded picture.
Some of the iconic stars in the commercial included Luka Doncic, Gabby Williams, Teyana Taylor, Ryota Brown, Zion Williamson, and Jayson Tatum.
In February, Rema had alongside Burna Boy and Tems headlined the NBA All-star game halftime show.
The Afrobeats-themed event which took place in Utah, United States of America saw the trio further spread the ‘gospel’ of Africa’s most popular music genre on the global stage.
Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, has recently disclosed the secret behind his impressive physique, leaving fans intrigued.
The Benin-born singer said poverty and hunger were responsible for his six packs.
He said doing hard labour such as fetching water from a well and hunger helped build his good status.
He disclosed this in an interview with Spotify.
The ‘Calm Down’ crooner said, “I don’t go to the gym. I always had my body patterns, way back since Benin, fetching water, carrying buckets of water, you know, wheelbarrows.
“When I was in Ghana when I was hustling, doing hard labour. I was already getting ripped out from whatever I was doing. You know, days that I starved, my packs just came out, like [laughs].”
Hold on to your hats folks, because Nigerian afrobeats sensation, Rema, has made history and is now a Guinness World Record holder! The talented singer, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, can now add ‘record-breaker’ to his already impressive list of accomplishments.
What did he do to earn this coveted title, you ask? Well, Rema smashed his way into the record books with his chart-topping hit, ‘Calm Down’. This catchy tune has officially been named the First No.1 Hit on The Official MENA Chart, which is the world’s first regional streaming chart. Impressive stuff, right?
Guinness World Records took notice of Rema’s epic achievement and made it official in a statement on their website. The organisation praised the singer for securing the first-ever number 1 hit on the MENA chart, which is also the first-ever official chart in the Middle East and North Africa region. We can only imagine how proud Rema must feel right now. He’s a true trailblazer and has set the bar high for future artists looking to make their mark on the music industry. Congratulations, Rema – you’re a true record-breaker!
Nigerian afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has revealed that he made his first one million naira at the age of 17 and handed all the money to his mother.
The 22-year-old musician disclosed this in recent interview with Z100 New York.
“The person who I knew needed it more was my mum. So, I handed everything I made to her. I know it was cool to drive around the city as a 17-year-old in a cool whip. But I can’t drive a cool whip when my mum didn’t have a car or my mum has to borrow my keys. You know, I had to put her on first,” he said.
“Passing all of that to her, whatever investment she makes… I made my first million [naira] at 17 but I made more than a million. But it’s cool to be in that stage to be able to provide for your family.”
Speaking further, the Calm Down crooner said his biggest achievement is being able to provide for his family and create opportunities for others
“Someone created an opportunity for me to bless the world this much. So, I can’t imagine how much the people I helped are going to bless the world. You know, I go hard not just for myself. I go hard for them. As doors open for me, I wanna open doors for them,” he added.
Rema has refuted rumours that he and Davido, a more senior colleague, are at odds. The Marvin Records artist discussed his alleged dispute with Omo Baba Olowo in an interview with foreign journalist DJ Ebro.
Rema asserted that it was just a rumour and further stated his admiration for his senior colleagues in the Nigerian music business. He claims that he steers clear of conflict, is an introvert, and despises disputes.
Back in December 2022, former president of the United State of America, Barack Obama has dropped his traditional playlist and predictably, some top Nigerian artists made the list.
The first black president to occupy the White House shared the content of his favourite tunes for the year on his Twitter platform- which elicited a plethora of relations from tweeps as expected.
Evidently, Burna Boy’s Last Last was the first song listed by Barack Obama, followed by Ayra Starr’s Rush and Rema’s Calm Down.
Sharing the tweet, Barack Obama emphasized the love behind spreading his favourite playlist while asking to know other songs to add.
“I always enjoy sharing my end of year music playlist with all of you — and this year we heard a lot of great songs. Here are some of my favorites. Are there any songs or artists I should check out?”
Reacting to the development, Rema thanked Obama for seeing him as someone worth listening to just like in 2019. The ‘Ginger Me’ crooner said he feels the same way he felt in 2019 when his name also made the list.
He wrote; ”I feel the same way I did in 2019 when I saw my Name on this list, I’m very grateful. ”
Sensational Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor popularly known asRema, marks four years anniversary in the Nigerian music industry.
Rema became a music sensation after releasing his hit single Dumebi after he signed a contract with Jonzing World, an offshoot of Mavin Records in 2019, and has since then been releasing hit tracks on a steady.
The talented music artist took to his Twitter page to reveal that it’s the fourth year since he hit the spot light in the Nigerian music space.
He thanked his fans for sticking with him through the four years and listening to his songs.
Sharing his photo, he wrote:
“4 years in the game, so many records to my name, catalogue insane, thanks for sticking w my crazy ass now let’s go AGAIN! 👊🏾💥”
He noted that as fans continue to celebrate artists who are breaking records in the music industry, they should also endeavour to celebrate others that are doing their best.
Superstar Afrobeats artiste, Divine Ikubor aka Rema has referred to his senior colleague, Augustine Miles Kelechi a.k.a Tekno as a legend.
The young musician, who’s making the waves, took to his Twitter page to celebrate Tekno’s distinction in the music industry.
He noted that as fans continue to celebrate artists who are breaking records in the music industry, they should also endeavour to celebrate others that are doing their best.
Rema shared a photo of Tekno and captioned it: “LEGEND”
The “Holiday” crooner added: “As we celebrate the first to do it & the best to do it. Let’s also celebrate those who just… Do it ”
Five young Iranian women who were dancing to the song “Calm Down” by Nigerian Afrobeat artist and rapper Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, are purportedly in custody.
Due to their lack of head scarves while dancing to Rema’s hit song, the five ladies’ video went viral on Tuesday.
The Times of Israel reported that there are anxieties about their well-being for filming themselves dancing as they were arrested and forced into confessing by Iran’s authorities.
The footage showed the women dancing and slightly showing their stomachs, near highrise buildings in the Tehran residential district of Ekbatan to the song.
It spread widely on TikTok and other social media channels last week around International Women’s Day on March 8.
Activists, apparently from the Ekbatan area, first posted the video on Telegram and Twitter. They said authorities had been asking residents in the area if they knew the women, based on the footage, The Times of Israel said.
On Tuesday, the activists alleged the women had been detained and forced into making a video in which they expressed regret.
In the Islamic Republic, it is illegal for women to dance in public as well as to not wear the Islamic headscarf.
Abolition of the obligatory headscarf rule has been one of the chief demands of the civil unrest that erupted in September after the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the dress code.
This video of Iranian girls in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighbourhood dancing unveiled to the song Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez has gone viral.
After the initial viral footage of the five, another video emerged on social media of four women, their heads fully covered, stepping forward one by one to express regret.
It appeared to have been filmed in a similar Ekbatan area, but neither the video nor the circumstances in which it was made could be verified.
Whether the women had been released was also not immediately clear.
Ekbatan, a middle-income area popular with young professionals and families, saw repeated anti-regime actions in the past few months.
Rema retweeted the video of the women dancing with their long hair uncovered and commented: “To all the beautiful women who are fighting for a better world, I’m inspired by you, I sing for you and I dream with you.”
The song “Calm Down” became a global hit after Rema issued a remix with superstar Selena Gomez.
Five young Iranian ladies who danced to Nigerian Afrobeat singer and rapper, Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema’s song ‘Calm Down’ have been allegedly arrested.
The video of the five girls went viral on Tuesday for dancing to Rema’s hit song without headscarves.
The Times of Israel reported that there are anxieties about their well-being for filming themselves dancing as they were arrested and forced into confessing by Iran’s authorities.
The footage showed the women dancing and slightly showing their stomachs, near highrise buildings in the Tehran residential district of Ekbatan to the song.
It spread widely on TikTok and other social media channels last week around International Women’s Day on March 8.
Activists, apparently from the Ekbatan area, first posted the video on Telegram and Twitter. They said authorities had been asking residents in the area if they knew the women, based on the footage, The Times of Israel said.
Women Dancing Threaten the Iranian Government. Recently police hunt these 5 young girls who launched viral Selena Gomez dance. They were forced to wear hijab and do false confessions against themselves. In the eyes of Islamic Republic all women across pic.twitter.com/24jc2gsbMe… pic.twitter.com/rTyQ18OiBt
On Tuesday, the activists alleged the women had been detained and forced into making a video in which they expressed regret.
In the Islamic Republic, it is illegal for women to dance in public as well as to not wear the Islamic headscarf.
Abolition of the obligatory headscarf rule has been one of the chief demands of the civil unrest that erupted in September after the death of Mahsa Amini, 22, who had been arrested for allegedly violating the dress code.
This video of Iranian girls in Tehran’s Ekbatan neighbourhood dancing unveiled to the song Calm Down by Rema and Selena Gomez has gone viral.
After the initial viral footage of the five, another video emerged on social media of four women, their heads fully covered, stepping forward one by one to express regret.
It appeared to have been filmed in a similar Ekbatan area, but neither the video nor the circumstances in which it was made could be verified.
Whether the women had been released was also not immediately clear.
Ekbatan, a middle-income area popular with young professionals and families, saw repeated anti-regime actions in the past few months.
Rema retweeted the video of the women dancing with their long hair uncovered and commented: “To all the beautiful women who are fighting for a better world, I’m inspired by you, I sing for you and I dream with you.”
The song “Calm Down” became a global hit after Rema issued a remix with superstar Selena Gomez.
Apopular afrobeat superstar and Mavin music act, Oyinkansola Sarah Aderibigbe, better known as Ayra Starr, has addressed rumors that she is dating a coworker named Rema.
In order to dispel rumors that they are dating, the Sability singer referred to Rema as her brother in Christ.
She responded to the rumors in an interview with Kenya’s Kiss FM that was broadcast on Thursday, stressing that she had never heard such.
“I don’t know. I haven’t heard that before,” she said, when being questioned about the alleged relationship.
Ayra Starr added, “That’s my brother in Christ o.”
The Ghana-Nigeria Music supremacy conversation has been there for ages. Ghanaians claim they have the best musicians whilst Nigerians can boast of good musicians too.
On social media, entertainment-inclined people have debated on this “who is The Best’ topic in several pundit discussions.
It seems one Nigerian guy on social media wants to settle issues once and for all.
Him, in a self-recorded video, the man has asserted that Rema is bigger than all Ghanaian artists combined.
Divine Ikubor professionally known by his stage name Rema, is a Nigerian singer, musician, and rapper.
He rose to stardom with the release of the song “Dumebi”. In 2019, he later signed a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
This he means to say the young starboy from Nigeria is the mark for Ghanaian musicians and in his opinion, none comes close.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ has recorded another milestone after it earned a Gold certification after selling 25,000 copies in Italy.
Details: After performing in a show in Italy, Rema was presented with a Gold plaque by the Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana (FIMI) for his single ‘Calm Down’.
The song was released in March 2022 as a lead single to Rema’s debut album ‘Raves & Roses’. Since its release, the single has enjoyed wide acclaim from fans and it was further boosted by a Selena Gomez remix.
Before being certified Gold in Italy, ‘Calm Down’ received Gold certifications in Spain, Portugal, and the Netherlands. It received a Silver certification in the UK and a Diamond certification in France.
The single has enjoyed international acclaim as it entered the Billboard Hot 100 peaking at number 74 and the top 10 of the UK singles chart.
After his show in Brixton Arena London, Rema revealed that ‘Calm Down’ has surpassed 1 billion streams across all platforms.
The African Union Commission and the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) organizers have jointly unveiled the official list of nominees for the 2022 ceremony (AUC).
On September 14, a list was made public. Over the 39 categories, Ghana received nine nominations.
His hit song ‘Kwaku The Traveller‘ secured him a spot in the Song of The Year category. Also in the fight for the award is Burna Boy (Last Last), Kizz Daniel (Buga), Fireboy DML (Peru Remix) and Rema (Calm Down).
Black Sherif is also nominated for the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Hip-Hop award. In the same category, he was nominated for featuring on UK-based Nigerian artiste Darkoo’s ‘Always’.
Musician Gyakie was nominated for the Best Female Artiste in Western Africa award. Others in the category include Nigeria’s Asa, Simi, Tiwa Savage, Tems, Vivian Chidid (Senegal), Soraia Ramos (Cape Verde) and Oumou Sangare (Mali).
Singer/Songwriter Amaarae secured two nominations.
Amaarae’s ‘A Body, A Coffin’ featured on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue placed her in the battle for the Best Soundtrack Movies, Series or Documentary award.
Also in the category is Nigeria’s Tems. She was also nominated for her ‘No Woman No Cry‘ cover on the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever Prologue.
For featuring on Tiwa Savage’s ‘Tales by Moonlight’, Amaarae secured a second nomination in the Best Artist, Duo or Group in African RnB & Soul category.
Meanwhile, KiDi’s Touch It Remix ft Tyga earned him a nomination for Best Artist, Duo or Group in African Reggae, Ragga, and Dancehall award.
Nektunez and Goya Menor, known for the hit single Ameno Amapiano, are in the run for the African Fans Favourite award.
The duo are facing stiff competition from Oxlade, Lojay, Joeboy and Bello Falcao.
Also, Camidoh with the aid of his hit song ‘Sugarcane Remix’, earned a nomination in the Breakout Artiste of the Year category.
Also in the category are Nigeria’s Asake, Pheelz, Daliwongo (South Africa), El Grande Toto (Morroco) and Costa Titch (South Africa).
Lastly, Gospel musician Diana Asamoah was nominated in the Best Female Artist in Africa Inspirational Music category. She secured the animation with her song ‘Awurade Ye’.
Meanwhile, Ghana missed out on other big categories including Artiste of the Year, Best African Rapper/Lyricist, Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.
Dominating the list with the most nominations, this year, are South African maverick, Costa Titch and Congolese maestro, Dadju with six nominations each.
Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Kizz Daniel and Tiwa Savage secured four nominations each.
The public voting portal for the 2022 AFRIMA edition would be live on Sunday, September 25, 2022, at 12:00pm CAT.
African music lovers within the continent, and around the world, can visit the official website to vote. Voting closes at 12.00 (CAT), December 10, 2022, before the AFRIMA main awards ceremony.
Meanwhile, the 2022 All Africa Music Awards will be held from the 8th to the 11th of December 2022. A special announcement will be made on the host country and location for the awards, on Wednesday, September 28, 2022.
The AFRIMA awards ceremony will feature a four-day fiesta of music, glitz, and glamour aimed at celebrating Africa, recognising talents and expanding the economic frontiers of the culture and creative industry on the continent.
