The rise of the exceptional talent Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, is truly a cinematic tale. In this feature by SAMUEL ABULUDE, FLOURISH OYELAKIN and AISHA ABASS, we explore the journey of this gifted artist, his charisma, and his significant impact on the music industry.
Music often sees the emer-gence of a new star each season, and last year was no exception. When 24-year-old Rema won the Artiste of the Year award at the HEADIES in Atlanta, Georgia, it was a clear indication that he had arrived on the global stage.
Rema, the Nigerian singer renowned for his hit song “Calm Down,” has captivated the music world with his distinctive sound and style. But where did this exceptional talent originate?
Early Beginnings
Born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema was raised in a Christian family alongside his parents and siblings. His father, Justice Ikubor, was a high court judge, while his mother, Mrs. Ikubor, was a businesswoman.
From a young age, the ebony-skinned Rema showed a deep passion for music. He started by singing in his church choir and later formed a music group with his friends. After finishing secondary school, he decided to focus on music full-time, making his debut with the single “Iron Man” in 2019.
Early Years In Music And Big Break
Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, first gained prominence in 2019 with his hit single “Dumebi,” which captivated audiences with its distinctive afrobeat style.
Before signing with MAVIN, Rema had been associated with the label for about 18 months. During his teenage years, he faced the loss of his father and older brother, putting immense pressure on him to support his mother.
Reflecting on these challenges, Rema shared, “At some point, things got hard, and I had to man up… I had to work hard because I lost my brother and my dad… I had to work hard.” Despite not hitting the gym, he credits his perseverance for his success and praises his mother as a “great mom.”
At 17, Rema worked on a beach in Ghana and bought a car for his mother. His breakthrough came with a freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” in 2018, which caught the attention of D’Prince. This led to a record deal offer and a move to Lagos. Rema signed with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, in 2019, and released his debut EP, Rema, which topped Apple Music Nigeria for months.
Don Jazzy, founder of Mavin Records, recognized Rema’s potential and signed him to the label. This partnership elevated Rema’s career on the global stage through Don Jazzy’s extensive music network.
Since joining Mavin Records in 2019, Rema has collaborated with other artists and expanded his fan base. His hit songs include “Dumebi,” “Charm,” “Hehehe,” “Calm Down,” and “Benin Boys.” His music uniquely blends Afrobeat, Afrorave (a fusion of Afrobeat, Indian, and Arabian sounds), and hip-hop.
The official music video for “Calm Down,” from the Rave and Roses album, was released on February 11, 2022, and has amassed over 609 million views as of August 6, 2023. Rema’s YouTube channel boasts 4.37 million subscribers. Additionally, his collaborative video with Selena Gomez, premiered on September 7, 2022, has garnered over 955 million views, with the video channel having 34.7 million subscribers
Awards, Accolades
In October 2019, Rema won the Next Rated award and was later nominated for Viewer’s Choice at the 13th edition of The Headies. On January 12, 2020, he received the Soundcity MVP award for Best New Artist. Additionally, on June 15, 2020, Rema was nominated for Best Viewer’s Choice: International Act at the 2020 BET Awards, alongside Burna Boy and Wizkid-making them the only Nigerian artists nominated that year.
Rema’s hit song “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez, earned him the Best Collaboration of the Year award, among other accolades.
In an interview, American singer and actress Selena Gomez, who collaborated with Rema on “Calm Down,” praised him for his humility and gratitude. The 32-year-old producer and businesswoman expressed her belief that Rema is “a star” who deserves his success. She shared, “I actually fell in love with the song ‘Runaway’ before I fell in love with ‘Calm Down’. I literally was a fan of his.”
Rema’s Philanthropic Gesture
During his homecoming tour, which began in late August 2024, Rema was honored by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, and an impressive venue, The Arena, was named in his honor.
On September 1, Rema expressed his gratitude for his journey and successful six-year music career by donating a substantial N105 million to Christ Embassy in Benin-City. The artist, deeply moved by the church’s support during his family’s hardships, specifically thanked them for their assistance when he lost his father and for opening a shop for his mother during their financial struggles.
The donation stirred a variety of reactions among Nigerians. Supporters praised Rema’s generosity and his dedication to giving back, with Daddy Freeze, a popular Nigerian-Romanian OAP, noting the significance of the donation due to the church’s past support. Meanwhile, Delta State Governor’s aide, Ossai Ovie Success, criticized the donation, questioning its value if Rema had not committed his life to Christ. Others on social media applauded Rema’s gesture as a sign of his sincere gratitude and pure heart.
Rema’s Worth
Rema has achieved considerable financial success through his music career and business ventures. As of June 2024, his estimated net worth is around $9 million. His wealth has enabled him to acquire luxury vehicles, including a G-Wagon and a Lamborghini Urus.
Don Jazzy, Rema, and Future Prospects
On June 11, 2024, top music producer and Mavin Records founder Don Jazzy expressed concerns on a podcast about Rema’s perceived ingratitude after his departure from the label. However, Don Jazzy later clarified that his comments had been misunderstood, and recent photos and Rema’s appearance at the Homecoming music tour indicated that they had reconciled.
Rema’s success continues to expand as he navigates his career and maintains relationships with influential figures in the industry, solidifying his place in the music world.
