Nigerian music sensation Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubolu, has been at the center of controversy for his recent comments about his influence on the Nigerian music scene and the growing popularity of Afrobeats around the world. . The Mavin artiste, known for his hit song “Ozeba” which was ranked number 2 on Rolling Stone’s 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2024, appeared on the Breakfast Club show and spoke about his impact on the music industry. He spoke his thoughts.
Rema emphasized that his influence on Afrobeats goes beyond just the hit songs. He cited the success of his song ‘Ozeba’ as a factor in the creation of Afrobeats’ own awards category. The singer also highlighted performances in three different arenas in India, where fans enthusiastically sang along to Afrobeats. Rema believes that these achievements deserve recognition on par with top artistes Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid.
Rema expressed frustration at not getting the recognition he felt he deserved and hinted that his youth could be a factor. He questioned why he needed to be 30 years old to receive the award he believed he deserved. “Do you have to turn 30 to get flowers?” Rema asked, sparking a debate about age, popularity and contribution to the music industry.
Rema’s comments prompted mixed reactions from fans and industry insiders, with some supporting his sentiments and others criticizing his perceived sense of entitlement. This discussion highlights the complexities of recognition and accolades in the music industry, where age, experience and contribution are often scrutinized.
As the Afrobeats genre continues to gain global recognition, Rema’s comments highlight the importance of recognizing the contributions of young artists who are helping shape the sound of contemporary African music.
