Rema Biography, Early Life, and Net Worth, Divine Ikubor, born on May 1, 2000, and popularly known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper whose rapid rise has established him as a prominent figure in the global Afrobeats scene. He has created a signature sound called “Afrorave,” blending Afrobeats with Trap, Pop, and influences from Indian and Arabian music. From his modest upbringing in Benin City to setting international records, Rema’s journey showcases his resilience, exceptional talent, and unique artistic vision.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Rema was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. His early life was marked by significant personal hardship, including the passing of his father in 2008 and his older brother seven years later. These tragedies forced him to mature quickly and assume the responsibility of providing for his family. At one point, he even worked in Ghana to save money, demonstrating a strong sense of determination from a young age.
His passion for music was ignited in church, where he sang as a child. During his secondary school years at Ighile Group of Schools, he began to write his own raps and songs. This early period of experimentation was crucial in shaping the eclectic sound that would later define his career. He initially formed a rap group with his friend Alpha P, with whom he would collaborate again later in his career.
Breakthrough and the Birth of a New Sound
Rema’s career trajectory changed dramatically in 2018. He posted a freestyle video of himself rapping over D’Prince’s instrumental track “Gucci Gang” on Instagram social media. The video quickly went viral and caught the attention of D’Prince, a renowned artist and music executive. Impressed by Rema’s raw talent and unique style, D’Prince flew him to Lagos and signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, which is led by the legendary Don Jazzy.
In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, Rema. The EP was an instant success, topping the Nigerian Apple Music charts and introducing the world to his hit single “Dumebi.” The track became a cultural phenomenon, showcasing his soft yet elastic vocals and infectious melodies. Another song from the EP, “Iron Man,” gained international attention when it was featured on Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist, a major co-sign that propelled Rema onto the global stage. He followed this success with other EPs that same year, including Freestyle EP and Bad Commando, further solidifying his position as a rising star.
Global Dominance: The “Calm Down” Era and Rave & Roses
After a string of successful singles, Rema released his debut studio album, Rave & Roses, in 2022. The album was a landmark project that fully explored his self-described “Afrorave” sound, blending his Afrobeats roots with influences from Trap, Pop, and a unique, ethereal aesthetic. The album featured collaborations with international artists like Chris Brown, 6LACK, and AJ Tracey, further showcasing his global appeal.
The album’s breakout single, “Calm Down,” became an unprecedented global smash. The song’s success was amplified by a remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez. The collaboration took the world by storm, breaking numerous records and becoming the highest-charting African song in U.S. history on the Billboard Hot 100, where it peaked at number three. The song’s music video became one of the most-viewed by a Nigerian artist, and the track surpassed one billion streams across various platforms, establishing Rema as a global music powerhouse.
Following the immense success of “Calm Down,” Rema released a deluxe version of his debut album, Rave & Roses Ultra, in 2023, which featured new tracks and collaborations. This was followed by the Ravage EP later that same year.
Awards, Recognition, and Legacy
Rema’s impact on the music industry has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and nominations, both in Nigeria and globally. He won the coveted Next Rated award at The Headies in 2019, an honor given to the most promising new artist. His international accolades are even more telling of his global reach. In 2023, he won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video for the “Calm Down” remix, and in 2024, he secured the Best Collaboration award at the iHeartRadio Music Awards for the same song.
His work has also received recognition from the highest echelons of the music industry. In 2025, his album HEIS was nominated for a Grammy Award for Global Album, a significant milestone that further cements his status as a major international artist. At the 2025 Trace Awards, he was celebrated with two major honors, winning Album of the Year for HEIS and Best Male Artist.
Rema’s influence extends beyond his music. He has been a trailblazer for a new generation of Afrobeats artists, showing that it’s possible to maintain cultural authenticity while achieving mainstream global success. With his unique sound, charismatic persona, and unwavering work ethic, Rema continues to push the boundaries of African music, ensuring his place as one of the most important and exciting artists of his generation.
Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Early Motivation | Church upbringing, personal losses shaping depth |
| Breakthrough | 2018 viral freestyle → 2019 signing with Mavin/Jonzing |
| Genre Innovation | Coined “Afrorave”; hybridized Afrobeats with global rhythms |
| Landmark Records | Rave & Roses, Calm Down, HEIS |
| Global Reach | Multiple awards, chart-topping singles, brand deals, Grammy nod |
| Creative Network | Mavin family, global collaborators, performance peers |
| Artistic Identity | Experimental, theatrical, genre-defining |
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