Musician opens up about his contribution to Afrobeat's global success
Nigerian musician Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has opened up about his significant contribution to the global Afrobeat movement and how his music has helped the genre gain a foothold in international spaces.
In a recent interview, the young star shared that the success of his songs, particularly his hit track “Calm Down,” has played a crucial role in creating awareness and recognition for Afrobeat on the global stage, even leading to the introduction of an Afrobeat category at major international award ceremonies.
Rema spoke candidly about the influence his music has had in pushing the boundaries of Afrobeat, while maintaining a humble perspective.
He was quick to point out that his intention isn’t to position himself as the “saviour” of Afrobeat, but rather to highlight his contribution in helping the genre grow beyond its African roots and enter new markets around the world.
While he respects the pioneering efforts of older artists in the genre, Rema made it clear that he believes it’s essential to acknowledge his role in shaping the current wave of Afrobeat success.
The artist’s impact on the genre has not gone unnoticed, especially as he recently became the first Afrobeat musician to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify, an unprecedented achievement in the genre’s history.
This milestone not only reinforces his status as one of the leading figures in Afrobeat but also demonstrates the global appetite for the sound he brings to the music scene.
Rema also touched on the creative process behind his critically acclaimed album, *HEIS*. He explained that his approach to making music is rooted in a desire to challenge the status quo and defy expectations.
Rather than following the conventional path of mainstream Nigerian pop music, Rema sought to carve out his own lane by experimenting with new sounds and pushing creative boundaries.
This fearless approach is what has set him apart in an increasingly competitive industry and earned him widespread acclaim both in Nigeria and abroad.
In his own words, Rema expressed a preference for doing things his way, stating that he doesn’t like to follow the rules or stick to what people expect of him.
This mindset has been a driving force behind his unique style and innovative approach to music, enabling him to stand out as one of the most influential voices in the modern Afrobeat scene.
With his undeniable talent, bold creativity, and a string of international accolades, Rema is poised to continue shaping the future of Afrobeat.
His work has not only solidified his place as one of the genre’s top stars but has also expanded the reach of Afrobeat, connecting it with global audiences and positioning it as a force to be reckoned with in the global music industry.
Source: NewsandVibes.com
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