Rema: 3 Things You Should Know About the Nigerian Music Sensation

Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is a talented Nigerian hip hop artist and performer. As a young and highly accomplished artist, Rema has made remarkable strides in the music industry following his breakthrough hit, Iron Man. 

As a talented songwriter, rapper, and celebrity, Rema has amassed a net worth of $1 million and has held the position of lead singer at Mavin Records for an extended period. His impressive achievements have earned him numerous awards and accolades. Let’s take a look at some intriguing facts about him.

How he started out

Rema discovered his passion for music while attending primary and high school in Edo State and he started singing and rapping during his secondary school years and gained recognition in the church for his rap performances. 

At just 14 years old, he was appointed as the leader of the church’s rap group and began mentoring younger rappers. Despite facing personal hardships, including the loss of his father and older brother at 15, Rema persevered with the help of his deep love for music. He draws inspiration from influential figures like Michael Jackson, 2Face, Frank Edwards, TB1, and the era of Mo’ hits. 

How Rema kIck-started his career

Rema gained attention when he posted a freestyle of D’Prince’s popular afro-pop track “Gucci Gang,” featuring Davido and Don Jazzy, on social media. Impressed, D’Prince invited Rema to Lagos from Benin City and introduced him to the Mavin Records family. Rema signed a record deal with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a division of Mavin Records. 

Later that year, he released his debut EP, also titled “Rema,” which soared to the top of Apple Music Nigeria charts. His first official single, “Iron Man,” from the EP, showcases his fascination with extraordinary experiences. Iron Man was even included in Barack Obama’s 2023 Sure Playlist, ranking 42 out of 44 songs that the former US president and his wife were enjoying during the summer of 2023. 

Making history, Rema became the first Nigerian musician to premiere top tracks on Apple Music. His achievements have been recognized with several awards, including Next Rated and a Viewer’s Choice nomination at the 13th edition of The Headies. He was also honored with the Sound City MVP for Best New Artist on January 12, 2023.

His several nominations and awards

In his three years in the spotlight, Rema has garnered immense recognition, accolades, and nominations for his exceptional music. He was awarded the prestigious Next Rated title at the 2019 Headies Awards and received a nomination for Viewer’s Choice at the 13th edition of the same awards.

Rema’s talent was further acknowledged when he was named the Best New Artist at the Soundcity MVP Awards. Additionally, he received a nomination for Best Viewer’s Choice: International Act at the BET Awards, sharing the category with renowned music icons such as Burna Boy and Wizkid. He also earned a nomination for a BET Award, solidifying his position among the industry’s finest.