Nigerian artist discusses his influence and lack of acknowledgment in global Afrobeats success
Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has sparked conversations about his contributions to the Afrobeats movement and the global recognition of Nigerian music. Speaking on The Breakfast Club show, the Mavin Records artist shared his thoughts on his influence and expressed frustration over what he perceives as insufficient acknowledgment of his impact.
Rema, known for his hit song “Ozeba,” which ranked second on Rolling Stone’s 40 Best Afropop Songs of 2024, believes his work has significantly expanded Afrobeats’ global reach. He highlighted how his achievements go beyond chart-topping hits, pointing to his role in creating a new award category for Afrobeats and his sold-out performances in India, where fans enthusiastically embraced the genre.
“My impact in Afrobeats to the world is huge, it is not by hit songs,” Rema said.
The “Calm Down” singer also compared his recognition to that of Afrobeats’ leading figures like Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid, noting that despite his success, he feels he has not yet reached the same level of acknowledgment.
Rema hinted that age might be a factor in the disparity, as he is significantly younger than the “Big Three,” who are all in their thirties.
“Must I be 30 years old before they give me my flowers?” he asked, expressing a desire for recognition based on merit rather than age.
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Rema’s comments have ignited discussions among fans and industry insiders about the evolving landscape of Afrobeats and the contributions of younger artists in shaping the genre’s global influence.
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