GlenDivine Joshua Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has become one of the leading voices in Afrobeats and global pop music. Born on 1 May 2000, he rose from Benin City to international stardom through his distinctive blend of Afrobeats, trap, pop, and what he calls “Afrorave.”
His breakthrough came with the 2019 hit “Dumebi,” followed by a major record deal and global success with “Calm Down,” a track that, in its remix with Selena Gomez, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated charts worldwide. Rema’s music fuses energetic rhythms, melodic vocals, and cultural pride, helping to push Afrobeats further onto the global stage. With multiple albums, chart-topping singles, and a Grammy nomination, he represents a new generation of African artists achieving mainstream success while staying rooted in their heritage.
Rema Early Life and Background
Divine Joshua Ikubor was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, into a Christian family. He hails from Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.
His early years were marked by significant challenges. His father, Justice Ikubor, a politician and former manager of a state publishing company, died when Rema was around eight years old. An elder brother also passed away not long after. Raised primarily by his mother alongside his sisters, Rema faced financial hardships. The family even relocated briefly to Ghana, where the young Divine took on odd jobs, including beach work, to help support them. These experiences built resilience and maturity in him at a young age.
Rema attended Ighile Group of Schools in Benin City for his primary and secondary education. It was during his school days that he discovered his love for music. He sang and rapped in church youth groups and began writing lyrics around age 15. Influences included artists like Michael Jackson, 2Face Idibia, Drake, and local sounds. He participated in talent shows, winning one in 2013, and practiced freestyling over downloaded beats on a church-provided smartphone.
These formative years in Benin City shaped his identity. References to Edo culture and personal struggles often appear in his later work, giving his music authenticity and depth.
Rema Education
Rema completed his primary and secondary schooling at Ighile Group of Schools. Music was a constant companion during these years, often taking priority alongside academics.
In 2022, he gained admission to the University of Lagos to study Creative Arts, partly to honor his mother’s wishes for him to pursue higher education. However, ongoing strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) forced him to pause or leave the program around 2023. His focus shifted fully to his exploding music career.
Rema Career
Rema’s professional journey started in church performances with collaborator Alpha P. In 2019, he posted a viral freestyle on Instagram over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang.” D’Prince noticed the talent, flew him to Lagos, and signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records founded by Don Jazzy.
That same year, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, which topped Apple Music Nigeria charts. The standout track “Dumebi” gained massive traction, with its video featuring a cameo and later appearing on Barack Obama’s summer playlist. He followed with EPs like Freestyle and Bad Commando. His sound, later termed Afrorave, mixed Afrobeats with trap, pop, Arabian, and Indian influences, setting him apart.
Rema Rise to Prominence and Major Breakthrough
By late 2019 and into 2020, Rema built a strong domestic following. Songs landed on the FIFA 21 soundtrack, and he became a Pepsi brand ambassador alongside Ayra Starr. His fanbase, known as Ravers, grew rapidly.
The year 2022 marked his global explosion. He released his debut studio album Rave & Roses on 25 March. The 16-track project featured collaborations with 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. Lead single “Calm Down” became a phenomenon. The remix with Selena Gomez propelled it to number three on the Billboard Hot 100, spent a record 58 weeks at number one on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, and crossed one billion streams on Spotify, making Rema the first African-led artist to achieve this.
The album peaked at number 81 on the Billboard 200 and earned widespread acclaim for its vibrant production and emotional range. A deluxe edition, Rave & Roses Ultra, followed in 2023 and became the first African album to surpass two billion streams on Spotify.
Rema Discography Highlights
Rema has released several projects showcasing his evolution.
Notable EPs include:
- Rema (2019)
- Freestyle (2019)
- Bad Commando (2019)
- Ravage (2023)
Studio Albums:
- Rave & Roses (2022): Features hits like “Calm Down,” “Soundgasm,” “Dirty,” and “Time n Affection.” It blends party anthems with introspective tracks.
- Heis (2024): A more concise, 11-track project with a darker, drum-heavy sound. It includes “Benin Boys” (with Shallipopi), “Hehehe,” “Ozeba,” “War Machine” (with Odumodublvck), and others. The title means “number one” in Greek, reflecting ambition. It earned a Grammy nomination.
Popular songs across his catalog include “Dumebi,” “Why,” “Corny,” “Woman,” “Soundgasm,” “Calm Down,” “Benin Boys,” and later 2025 releases like “Baby (Is It a Crime)” and “Bout U.” His discography highlights versatility, from upbeat dance tracks to reflective pieces rooted in personal and cultural themes.
Rema Achievements and Impact
Rema’s accolades include numerous Headies wins, MTV VMA for Best Afrobeats, Billboard Music Awards, and more. Heis brought his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. He has performed at major events, including the Ballon d’Or and the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony.
Beyond numbers, Rema has expanded Afrobeats’ global reach. Critics praise him as a trailblazer who blends genres while honoring Nigerian roots. He became the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube in some periods and inspired a new wave of artists.
Rema Musical Style and Influence
Rema’s Afrorave sound fuses Afrobeats rhythms with trap flows, pop melodies, and international flavors. His elastic voice, clever wordplay, and energetic delivery stand out. Themes often cover love, success, resilience, and cultural pride, particularly Edo heritage. He plays keyboards and is involved in production.
His success has influenced fashion, branding, and the perception of African music, proving it can dominate global charts without losing identity.
Rema Personal Life
Rema keeps much of his personal life private. He has spoken about past relationships, noting three girlfriends with the longest lasting about two and a half years, mostly within Africa. He values respect, loyalty, and transparency in partners and expresses a desire for marriage and children (ideally three or four) to build a strong family, influenced by his own losses.
Rema is a Manchester United fan and has addressed family matters publicly, including accusations regarding his father’s death. Rema maintains a low profile off-stage despite his flashy persona in music.
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Rema Tours and Live Performances
Rema has headlined the Rave & Roses World Tour (2022) and Heis World Tour. His live shows are known for high energy, connecting deeply with fans worldwide. He has shared stages with major international artists and performed at prestigious events.
Conclusion
Rema’s journey from the streets of Benin City to global stages embodies talent, perseverance, and cultural innovation. Through hits, albums, and boundary-pushing sounds, he has elevated Afrobeats and inspired countless fans and artists. As his career continues, Rema remains a dynamic force in music, balancing commercial success with artistic authenticity.
FAQs
What is Rema’s real name and date of birth?
Rema’s full name is Divine Joshua Ikubor. He was born on 1 May 2000.
Where is Rema from?
He was born and raised in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
What is Rema’s most famous song?
“Calm Down,” especially the remix with Selena Gomez, is his biggest hit to date.
Has Rema won a Grammy?
He received a nomination for Best Global Music Album for Heis at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards.
Is Rema married?
No, Rema is not married as of the latest available information. He has expressed intentions to marry and start a family in the future.
What genre does Rema perform?
He primarily works in Afrobeats and pioneered the Afrorave subgenre, incorporating elements of trap, pop, and more.
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