Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has become a defining voice in the global Afrobeats movement. With his genre-blending “Afrorave” sound—a fusion of Afrobeat, trap, Indian, and Arabic influences—Rema has transcended borders, earning accolades, breaking records, and amassing a loyal fanbase called “Ravers.” From viral freestyles to Grammy nominations, his journey is a testament to talent, resilience, and innovation. This biography delves into Rema’s life, career, and impact, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the music.
Early Life
Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema grew up in a Christian household with a deep love for music. His father, Justice Ikubor, a political figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), and his mother instilled cultural pride and discipline in their children. Tragedy struck early: Rema lost his father in 2008 under mysterious circumstances, which he later linked to political rivalries . His elder brother, who introduced him to music, died in 2015 due to medical negligence during a power outage .
These losses forced Rema to mature quickly. At 17, he moved to Ghana to support his family, working odd jobs before returning to Nigeria with a renewed focus on music. He attended Ighile Group of Schools and later gained admission to the University of Lagos in 2022, though his studies were interrupted by academic strikes .
Musical Career
Breakthrough and Signing
Rema’s career began in 2018 when a freestyle video of him rapping over D’Prince’s Gucci Gang went viral on Instagram. D’Prince, brother of Mavin Records CEO Don Jazzy, signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, in 2019 .
Debut Success
His self-titled EP Rema (2019) catapulted him to stardom. Tracks like Dumebi and Iron Man dominated charts, with the latter featured on Barack Obama’s 2019 Summer Playlist . By 2022, his debut album Rave & Roses solidified his status, featuring the global hit Calm Down. A remix with Selena Gomez peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, amassing over 1 billion Spotify streams and YouTube views .
Innovating Afrorave
Rema coined the term “Afrorave” to describe his eclectic style, blending traditional Afrobeat with electronic, Indian, and Middle Eastern sounds. This innovation has earned him collaborations with artists like Burna Boy, Chris Brown, and Odumodublvck .
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Rema remains close to his mother and sisters, Anita and Blossom Ikubor. Despite rumors linking him to Justine Skye, Tems, and others, he insists he’s single, prioritizing his career over romance .
Tragedies and Advocacy
The deaths of his father and brother deeply influenced his worldview. In 2020, he publicly accused the PDP of involvement in his father’s death, sparking national debates about political violence . He also advocates for improved healthcare in Nigeria, sharing his brother’s story to highlight systemic failures .
Discography
Albums and EPs
- Rave & Roses (2022): Featured Calm Down and Soundgasm.
- HEIS (2024): Includes collaborations with Shallipopi (Benin Boys) and Odumodublvck (War Machine) .
2025 Releases
- Baby (Is It a Crime): Dropping February 7, 2025, this single samples Sade’s 1985 classic Is It a Crime .
- European Tour: Announced dates include a sold-out show at Paris’ 20K-capacity Accor Arena .
Net Worth and Income Streams
As of 2025, Rema’s net worth is estimated between $10–15 million (₦16.5–24.75 billion), per Forbes, though some sources cite lower figures . His wealth stems from:
- Music Sales & Streaming: Calm Down alone generates ~$0.005 per stream, contributing millions .
- Concerts: Commands $500,000–$1 million per international show .
- Endorsements: Partnerships with Pepsi, Tecno Mobile, and BMW .
- Investments: Ventures in real estate and tech startups .
Awards and Legacy
- Grammy Nomination: Best Global Album for HEIS (2025) .
- Headies Next Rated Artist (2019) .
- Billboard Records: First Afrobeats artist with a song (Calm Down) spending 57+ weeks on the Hot 100 .
Rema’s influence extends beyond music. He’s a cultural icon, inspiring a generation to embrace hybrid genres and African authenticity.
Conclusion
At 24, Rema has achieved what many artists spend decades pursuing. His story—marked by tragedy, innovation, and global acclaim—reflects the power of resilience. As he gears up for his 2025 European tour and new releases, one thing is clear: Rema isn’t just shaping Afrobeats; he’s redefining global music.
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