Rema – Dumebi
| Stage Name: | Rema |
| Real Name: | Divine Ikubor |
| Occupation: | Musician |
| Date Of Birth/Age: | 1st May 2000 (23 years old) |
| State of Origin: | Edo State |
| Gender: | Male |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Marital Status: | Not Married |
| Education: | University of Lagos |
| Known for: | Dumebi |
Early Years and Background
Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema is a globally known Nigerian rapper, singer, and songwriter. Raised in a Christian family, Rema’s early life was marked by a passion for music, which he began cultivating during his secondary school days at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. Despite facing challenges, such as the loss of his father and elder brother, Rema’s dedication to his craft and responsibilities towards his mother laid the foundation for his remarkable journey in the music industry.
Entrance into the Music Industry
Rema’s musical journey took a significant turn when, in 2018, he posted a viral freestyle on Instagram, showcasing his skills on D’Prince’s track “Gucci Gang.” The post caught the attention of D’Prince, who swiftly flew him to Lagos and extended a record deal. This marked the beginning of Rema’s association with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. In 2019, he released his self-titled debut EP “Rema,” which quickly rose to the top of the Apple Music Nigeria charts, setting the stage for his ascent in the Nigerian music scene.
Breakthrough with “Dumebi” and International Recognition
In 2019, Rema’s breakout moment came with the release of “Dumebi,” a track that garnered immense popularity and even found a place on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s summer playlist. His affiliation with Jonzing World and Mavin Records provided him a platform to showcase his talent globally. The music video for “Dumebi” directed by Ademola Falomo amassed 70 million views on YouTube.
Milestones and Collaborations
Rema’s trajectory reached new heights in 2022 with the release of “Calm Down.” This single not only achieved significant success on the Billboard Hot 100 but also featured a remix with American singer Selena Gomez, becoming the most internationally successful song in the Afrobeats genre. The collaboration set records, spending 58 weeks atop the United States Afrobeats Songs chart. In recognition of his achievements, Rema received numerous accolades, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song.
Rave & Roses, Ravage EP, and Artistic Evolution
Building on his earlier successes, Rema released his debut album, “Rave & Roses,” in March 2022. This 16-track album featured collaborations with artists like 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. The album not only charted 10 songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart but also introduced “Calm Down,” a track that gained global acclaim. Subsequently, the remix with Selena Gomez propelled the song to unprecedented heights on international charts.
In October 2023, Rema surprised fans with the release of the Ravage EP, showcasing his artistic versatility. His performance at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris further underscored his growing influence on the global stage.
Afrorave Movement and Personal Life
Rema’s impact extended beyond his music as he embraced the “Afrorave” movement in May 2021, describing his sound as a subgenre of Afrobeats infused with Arabian and Indian influences. This unique sound garnered a dedicated fanbase known as “Ravers.” Despite gaining admission to the University of Lagos in 2022, Rema had to leave due to a strike by the ASUU teaching union.
Critical Acclaim and Awards
Rema’s success did not go unnoticed by critics and industry experts. He received accolades such as the Digital Artist of the Year at the Soundcity MVP Awards in February 2023. In April 2023, he released an extended version of “Rave & Roses” titled “Rave & Roses Ultra,” making history as the first African album to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The awards continued to pour in, with recognitions at the MTV Video Music Awards, AFRIMMA, and the Headies.
Wife and Kids
He is currently unmarried and has no children.
Net Worth
Rema, the talented Nigerian artist, has achieved remarkable success in his music career, amassing a net worth exceeding 4.2 million dollars. You can find him on Instagram.