Rema Biography: Early Life, Music Career, Albums, Awards, and Global Success
Rema, whose real name is Divine Joshua Ikubor, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has become one of the most influential young voices in the global Afrobeats movement. Born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema rose to prominence with his breakout single “Dumebi” in 2019 and later achieved worldwide fame with “Calm Down,” particularly after the release of its internationally successful remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez.
Known for his distinctive vocals, experimental production, and fusion of Afrobeats with global sounds, Rema has developed a musical identity he describes as Afro-rave. His style incorporates elements of Afrobeats, hip-hop, dancehall, house, and other international influences while drawing inspiration from his Nigerian and Edo heritage.
Rema’s breakthrough has extended far beyond Nigeria. His 2022 hit “Calm Down” became a global phenomenon, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 following the Selena Gomez remix and spending a record-setting 58 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. His debut album, Rave & Roses, also established him as a major international recording artist, while his second album, Heis, earned him his first Grammy Award nomination.
Rema Profile
- Full name: Divine Joshua Ikubor
- Stage name: Rema
- Date of birth: 1 May 2000
- Place of birth: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
- Nationality: Nigerian
- Profession: Singer, songwriter, rapper
- Genres: Afrobeats, Afro-rave, Afropop, hip-hop, dancehall, house
- Record labels: Jonzing World, Mavin Records, Interscope Records
- Breakthrough song: “Dumebi”
- International breakthrough: “Calm Down”
- Debut studio album: Rave & Roses (2022)
- Second studio album: Heis (2024)
- Notable collaboration: “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez
Early Life and Education
Divine Joshua Ikubor was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, into a Christian family. His father was Igbo, while his mother is Edo. Rema has identified Igbanke, an Igbo community in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State, as part of his heritage.
His childhood was shaped by significant family experiences. After the death of his father and elder brother, Rema was raised by his mother, who played an important role in his development and early life.
Rema discovered his passion for music while attending Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. During his secondary-school years, he began experimenting with singing and rapping and developed an interest in performing.
His musical ambitions eventually moved beyond his immediate surroundings. Rema began performing in churches and working with fellow young artists, including his collaborator Alpha P, as he developed his songwriting and performance skills.
Rema later gained admission to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2022. However, the prolonged ASUU teaching-union strike affected his studies, and he left the institution in 2023.
Rema’s Music Career
2019–2021: Breakthrough With “Dumebi” and Jonzing World
Rema’s professional breakthrough came in 2019, after he posted a freestyle on Instagram to D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang.” The freestyle attracted the attention of Nigerian musician and record executive D’Prince, who was impressed by the young artist’s talent.
D’Prince subsequently brought Rema to Lagos and offered him a recording deal with Jonzing World, a label affiliated with Mavin Records and founded by D’Prince.
That same year, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, Rema. The project quickly gained attention and reached the top of the Nigerian Apple Music charts.
The EP’s standout song, “Dumebi,” became Rema’s breakthrough hit. Its music video was released on 21 May 2019 and featured a cameo from Diana Eneje. The song went on to become one of the defining Nigerian hits of Rema’s early career.
Rema’s growing popularity also attracted international attention. One of his songs appeared on former United States President Barack Obama’s annual summer playlist, giving the young Nigerian artist additional exposure outside Africa.
In 2020, Rema expanded his international presence when his music was included on the official FIFA 21 soundtrack.
In September 2021, Rema was unveiled as a Pepsi brand ambassador, alongside fellow Nigerian singer Ayra Starr.
The Development of Rema’s Afro-rave Sound
One of the most important aspects of Rema’s career has been the development of his distinctive musical identity.
Rema has used the term “Afro-rave” to describe his sound. Rather than restricting himself to conventional Afrobeats formulas, he blends Nigerian rhythms with elements of hip-hop, dancehall, house, and other international influences.
His music has also incorporated Arabian and Indian-inspired sounds, creating an atmospheric and experimental style that differentiates him from many of his contemporaries.
The term has become closely associated with Rema’s artistic identity, while his fans are widely known as Ravers.
2022–2023: Rave & Roses and the Rise of “Calm Down”
Rema entered a new phase of his career in 2022 with the release of his debut studio album, Rave & Roses.
Released on 25 March 2022, the 16-track album featured artists including 6LACK, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. The project demonstrated Rema’s willingness to experiment with different sounds while retaining the core elements of his Afro-rave identity.
The album also produced Rema’s biggest international hit, “Calm Down.”
“Calm Down” and Selena Gomez
“Calm Down” initially became a major hit on its own, but its global impact grew substantially after Rema collaborated with Selena Gomez on a remix.
The remix transformed the song into a worldwide commercial success. It reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the most successful Afrobeats-influenced songs in American chart history.
The song also topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for 58 weeks, establishing a record that underscored Rema’s enormous international reach.
“Calm Down” helped introduce Rema’s music to audiences who had previously been unfamiliar with Nigerian Afrobeats and became an important milestone in the continued globalization of African popular music.
Rema subsequently received numerous awards and nominations for the song and its wider success, including recognition at the MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards.
In November 2022, Rema was presented with an award recognizing one billion streams worldwide during his London concert.
In February 2023, he won Digital Artist of the Year at the Soundcity MVP Awards in Lagos.
Rave & Roses Ultra
In April 2023, Rema released the deluxe edition of his debut album, Rave & Roses Ultra.
The expanded project further cemented the commercial success of the original album and became the first African album to surpass two billion streams on Spotify, according to the information provided.
Later in 2023, Rema released the Ravage EP, continuing his exploration of darker and more experimental sounds.
He also performed at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris on 30 October 2023, further demonstrating his growing profile as a global performer.
2024: Heis and a New Creative Direction
Rema released his second studio album, Heis, on 11 July 2024 through Jonzing World, Mavin Records, and Interscope Records.
The title Heis is derived from the Greek word for “number one.”
Unlike the comparatively melodic and diverse approach of Rave & Roses, Heis presented a darker, more aggressive and drum-driven sound.
The 11-track album includes appearances from Nigerian artists Shallipopi and Odumodublvck and was preceded by the singles “Benin Boys” and “Hehehe.”
“Benin Boys” With Shallipopi
“Benin Boys,” Rema’s collaboration with fellow Edo-born Nigerian artist Shallipopi, became an important cultural moment.
The song celebrates their roots and identity while incorporating elements of contemporary Nigerian street music. It also reflected Rema’s increasing interest in highlighting his Edo heritage within his international music career.
Grammy Recognition for Heis
Heis received a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
The nomination represented Rema’s first Grammy Award nomination and marked another major milestone in his rapidly developing international career.
The album initially debuted at No. 2 on the TurnTable Top 100 Albums chart before eventually reaching No. 1. It reportedly accumulated more than 104 million streams and remained on the chart for 29 weeks.
Although some listeners initially criticized elements of the album’s imagery and themes, interpreting them as dark or controversial, Heis ultimately strengthened Rema’s reputation as an artist willing to challenge conventional expectations.
2025: “Baby (Is It a Crime)” and Continued Global Growth
Rema began 2025 with the release of “Baby (Is It a Crime)” on 7 February.
The song samples Sade’s 1985 classic “Is It a Crime” and quickly became one of the most-streamed Nigerian songs of the year.
On 11 April 2025, Rema followed it with another single, “Bout U,” continuing his run of releases following Heis.
His growing influence was also reflected in his digital performance. In 2025, Rema was reported to have become the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube, while “Calm Down” surpassed one billion views, further establishing the song as a landmark in the history of Nigerian music.
2026: FIFA World Cup Performance
Rema continued expanding his international profile in 2026.
On 12 June 2026, he performed “Goals” alongside Lisa of BLACKPINK and Brazilian singer Anitta during the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.
The performance placed Rema on one of the world’s biggest sporting stages and reinforced the growing relationship between Afrobeats and global entertainment.
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Rema’s Musical Style and Influences
Rema’s artistry is built around experimentation.
While Afrobeats remains central to his music, his sound frequently incorporates:
- Afropop
- Afro-rave
- Hip-hop
- Dancehall
- House music
- R&B
- Electronic influences
- Indian-inspired melodies
- Arabian-inspired musical elements
Rather than simply reproducing established Afrobeats formulas, Rema has attempted to create an identity that is recognizably his own.
His music often combines atmospheric production, unconventional melodies, rhythmic percussion and distinctive vocal performances. This approach has helped him appeal to both Nigerian listeners and international audiences.
His Afro-rave concept has also become an important part of his brand, providing a framework for his increasingly experimental approach to Afrobeats.
Rema’s Major Songs
Some of Rema’s most notable songs and collaborations include:
- “Dumebi” — his 2019 breakthrough hit.
- “Iron Man” — one of the standout tracks from his debut EP.
- “Lady” — another popular early-career release.
- “Calm Down” — his global breakthrough.
- “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez — the international remix that reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- “Soundgasm” — a major single from the Rave & Roses era.
- “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi — a celebration of Edo identity.
- “Hehehe” — a single from Heis.
- “Baby (Is It a Crime)” — his 2025 single sampling Sade.
- “Bout U” — a 2025 release.
Rema’s Awards and Achievements
Rema’s career has been marked by significant commercial and cultural achievements despite beginning professionally at a relatively young age.
Among his major accomplishments are:
- International success with “Calm Down.”
- No. 3 position on the Billboard Hot 100 with the Selena Gomez remix of “Calm Down.”
- Record-setting 58-week run at No. 1 on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for “Calm Down.”
- MTV Video Music Award recognition.
- Billboard Music Award recognition.
- Digital Artist of the Year at the Soundcity MVP Awards.
- One billion global streams milestone.
- Two billion Spotify streams for Rave & Roses Ultra, according to the information provided.
- First Grammy nomination for Heis.
- Major performances at international events including the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Cup.
Rema’s Impact on Afrobeats
Rema has emerged as one of the leading figures in the younger generation of Nigerian musicians helping Afrobeats reach increasingly diverse international audiences.
His success demonstrates how Nigerian artists can maintain strong connections to local culture while experimenting with sounds that appeal to listeners around the world.
Music critics and publications have described Rema as an important symbol of Afrobeats’ global expansion. His success with “Calm Down” particularly demonstrated the commercial potential of African music in international mainstream markets.
Rema’s influence also extends beyond his chart performances. His willingness to incorporate Edo identity, unconventional production and experimental musical structures has contributed to the diversification of contemporary Afrobeats.
His approach has helped establish the idea that Nigerian pop music can be simultaneously rooted in African culture and globally oriented.
Rema’s Cultural Identity and Heritage
Rema’s Nigerian identity is an important part of his artistry.
With an Igbo father and Edo mother, and roots connected to Igbanke in Edo State, he represents the cultural diversity that exists within Nigeria.
This heritage became particularly visible during the Heis era, when references to Benin and Edo culture became more prominent in his music and visual presentation.
The collaboration “Benin Boys” with Shallipopi was particularly significant because it placed their Edo roots at the center of a contemporary Afrobeats record with international visibility.
Rema’s Personal Life
Rema has generally maintained a relatively private personal life compared with the level of attention surrounding his music career.
His early life was shaped by the loss of his father and elder brother, experiences that influenced his upbringing and relationship with his mother.
In September 2020, Rema publicly made allegations concerning the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the circumstances surrounding his father’s death. His father, Justice Ikubor, had been associated with the party.
Rema has also spoken through his music and public image about ambition, identity, success and the challenges of growing into adulthood under intense public scrutiny.
Rema’s Legacy and Future
Rema’s career represents one of the clearest examples of how quickly Nigerian music can move from local popularity to global cultural influence.
From uploading a freestyle on Instagram in 2019 to performing at major international events and earning a Grammy nomination, his rise has been remarkably rapid.
His breakthrough with “Dumebi” introduced him to Nigerian audiences, while “Calm Down” transformed him into a worldwide star. Rave & Roses established his commercial foundation, while Heis demonstrated his willingness to take greater artistic risks.
Critics have praised Rema for expanding the possibilities of Afrobeats and helping demonstrate that African artists do not have to abandon their cultural identity to succeed internationally.
His Afro-rave concept, distinctive voice, experimental production and emphasis on cultural identity have helped distinguish him from his contemporaries.
As Afrobeats continues to grow globally, Rema’s career is likely to remain an important part of the genre’s evolution. His achievements have already established him as one of Nigeria’s most prominent young musical exports and one of the artists helping shape the next chapter of African pop music.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rema
What is Rema’s real name?
Rema’s real name is Divine Joshua Ikubor.
When was Rema born?
Rema was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
Where is Rema from?
Rema was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State. He has an Igbo father and an Edo mother and has identified Igbanke in Edo State as part of his heritage.
What is Rema’s biggest song?
Rema’s biggest international song is widely considered “Calm Down,” particularly its remix featuring Selena Gomez. The remix reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieved major worldwide streaming success.
What was Rema’s first album?
Rema’s first studio album was Rave & Roses, released on 25 March 2022.
What is Rema’s second album?
Rema’s second studio album is Heis, released on 11 July 2024.
Has Rema won a Grammy?
Rema received his first Grammy Award nomination for Heis in the Best Global Music Album category at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
What genre of music does Rema make?
Rema describes his sound as Afro-rave. His music combines Afrobeats with elements of Afropop, hip-hop, dancehall, house, R&B and other global influences.
What are Rema’s fans called?
Rema’s fans are commonly known as Ravers.
What is Rema known for?
Rema is best known for his distinctive Afro-rave sound, his breakthrough song “Dumebi,” his global hit “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez, and his role in helping popularize contemporary Nigerian music internationally.
Conclusion
Rema has evolved from a teenage performer in Benin City into one of the most recognizable young stars in African music. His journey from “Dumebi” to the global phenomenon “Calm Down” illustrates the extraordinary international growth of Afrobeats.
Through albums such as Rave & Roses and Heis, Rema has continued to experiment with sound while emphasizing his Nigerian and Edo heritage. His international collaborations, chart records, major performances and Grammy recognition have positioned him as a major figure in the new generation of African music.
With his Afro-rave identity and global ambitions, Rema represents a new era in which Nigerian artists can reach worldwide audiences while retaining the cultural elements that make their music distinctive.
