Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, began his music career while still a teenager in Benin City, gaining early attention through freestyle videos posted online before signing with Jonzing World and Mavin Records.
Rema's early singles established a distinctive sound he termed 'Afrorave,' blending Afrobeats with trap, dancehall and Indian musical influences reflecting his own diverse artistic references, quickly building a devoted following.
In 2022, Rema released 'Calm Down,' which became one of the longest-charting songs in Billboard Hot 100 history among African-led releases, achieving sustained global chart success and widespread international recognition.
A remix of 'Calm Down' featuring Selena Gomez further extended the song's global reach, and Rema has continued to be regarded as one of the leading voices of Afrobeats' new generation, expanding the genre's international audience and influence.
- "Calm Down" became one of the longest-charting Afrobeats songs in Billboard Hot 100 history
- Developed a distinctive "Afrorave" sound blending Afrobeats with trap, dancehall and Indian influences
- Achieved major international recognition through the "Calm Down" remix featuring Selena Gomez
- Became one of the leading voices of Afrobeats' new generation on the global stage
- Built a devoted following starting from early freestyle videos as a teenager
- Online visibility can launch a major recording career. His early freestyle videos preceded his signing and subsequent global success.
- Genuinely original genre fusion can achieve massive commercial reach. His distinctive "Afrorave" sound distinguished him within Afrobeats' crowded landscape.
- International collaborations can extend a song's global lifespan. The Selena Gomez remix significantly broadened "Calm Down"'s international audience.
- Youth need not limit major artistic achievement. He achieved historic chart success while still in his early twenties.