Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Christian household and faced significant hardships early in life, including the loss of his father in 2008 and his elder brother seven years later. These tragedies compelled Rema to mature quickly and shoulder the responsibility of supporting his family. At one point, he worked in Ghana to save money to support his family, demonstrating his resilience and determination.
Rema attended the Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State for his primary and secondary education. In January 2022, he enrolled at the University of Lagos, fulfilling his mother's wish for him to pursue higher education.
Rema's musical journey began in church, where he sang as a child. He started writing raps and songs during his secondary school years. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he posted a freestyle video to D'Prince's track "Gucci Gang" on social media. This caught the attention of D'Prince, who subsequently signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, in 2019.
Rema's debut self-titled EP, "Rema," released in 2019, included the hit single "Dumebi." The song went viral, earning him widespread recognition and establishing him as a leading figure in the Afrobeats genre. Other notable tracks from the EP include "Iron Man" and "Corny." "Iron Man" gained international attention when it was included in Barack Obama's 2019 summer playlist.
Rema's discography is rich with hits, including:
Rema has collaborated with several international artists, enhancing his global appeal. Notably, the remix of "Calm Down" featuring Selena Gomez achieved significant success, reaching audiences worldwide. His album "Rave & Roses" features collaborations with Chris Brown, 6lack, AJ Tracey, and Yseult.
Rema has amassed numerous awards and nominations, highlighting his talent and influence in the music industry:
In 2024, Rema continued to excel, securing multiple awards at the ASCAP London Music Awards for "Calm Down," including Song of the Year and Top Streaming Song. His performance at the BRIT Awards made him the first African artist to be specifically billed as a performer, marking a significant milestone in his career and in the global recognition of Afrobeats.
Rema maintains a private personal life, focusing primarily on his music career. He has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships and emphasizes his dedication to his craft. He is close to his mother and continues to support her, as evidenced by his gift of a Lexus RX 350 to her.
Beyond music, Rema is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in various charitable activities, supporting educational and healthcare initiatives in his community. His commitment to giving back underscores his desire to positively impact society.
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