Rema

Real Name: Divine Ikubor
Alias Name: Afrorave King
Date of Birth: May 1, 2000
Place of Birth: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Label: Jonzing World / Mavin Records / Interscope Records
Genre: Afrobeats, Afrorave, Afro-pop, Trap
Years Active: 2019 – Present

Rema Bio

Rema is one of the most globally recognized stars of the new Afrobeats generation. Known for his genre-bending sound often described as “Afrorave,” he blends Afrobeats, trap, pop, and alternative influences into a futuristic style that has reshaped modern African music. From Benin City to global stadium tours, Rema has become one of Nigeria’s biggest music exports.

Early Life & Background

Born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema discovered his love for music at an early age. He performed in church and local school events before gaining attention through freestyle videos online.

Breakthrough & Mavin Era

In 2019, Rema signed with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. His self-titled debut EP Rema (2019) introduced hits like “Iron Man” and “Dumebi,” instantly positioning him as a breakout star.

He followed with Bad Commando (2019) and Rema Compilation (2020), solidifying his dominance among the new wave of Nigerian artists.

Global Explosion

Rema’s debut studio album Rave & Roses (2022) marked a turning point in his career. The album’s standout track “Calm Down” became a worldwide hit, especially after the remix featuring Selena Gomez. The song broke multiple streaming records, dominated global charts, and became one of the most successful Afrobeats songs in history.

In 2024, he released his sophomore album HEIS, showcasing a darker, more experimental sound and further proving his artistic evolution. The project expanded his global tour footprint and strengthened his position as a leading African act internationally.

Awards & Achievements

Headies Next Rated Winner
BET Award nominations
MTV Europe Music Award Winner
Billions of global streams
Multiple international chart records

Musical Style & Influence

Rema’s sound, which he calls Afrorave, blends Afrobeats with trap drums, melodic hooks, and global pop influences. His experimental approach has inspired a new generation of artists and pushed Nigerian music further into mainstream global markets.

Current Status

With sold-out international tours, record-breaking singles, and consistent innovation, Rema continues to lead Afrobeats’ global expansion. His influence stretches far beyond Africa, making him one of the defining artists of his era.