Rema Biography

Basic Info

Full Name: Divine Ikubor

Stage Name: Rema

Country: Nigeria

Birth Date

Date of Birth: May 01, 2000

Biography, Career, and more

Divine Ikubor (born 1 May 2000), known professionally as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has redefined the sound of modern Afrobeats with his genre-bending style. Rising to fame with the viral hit "Dumebi" in 2019, Rema has since grown into an international sensation.

Early Life

Born and raised in Benin City, Edo State, Rema discovered his passion for music during his time at Ighile Group of Schools. After the tragic loss of his father and elder brother, he was raised by his mother, who remains a strong influence in his life. Rema is originally from Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State.

Career Beginnings

Rema’s journey to stardom began in 2019 when he posted a freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. The video went viral and caught the attention of D’Prince, who invited him to Lagos and signed him to Jonzing World, a label affiliated with Mavin Records, owned by Don Jazzy.

Later that year, he dropped his debut EP titled Rema, which included the breakout track “Dumebi”. The song’s popularity skyrocketed, with its video accumulating over 85 million views on YouTube. Former U.S. President Barack Obama even featured one of his songs on his 2019 summer playlist.

Breakthrough & Global Recognition

Rema's debut studio album, Rave & Roses (2022), featured the global smash hit “Calm Down”. A remix with Selena Gomez pushed the song to No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it topped the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart for an unprecedented 58 weeks. The album itself peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200.

His unique sound, which he dubs Afrorave, blends Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian musical influences. This innovative style has cultivated a loyal global fanbase known as the Ravers.

Recent Projects

In 2023, Rema released his fourth EP titled Ravage, followed by his second studio album, Heis (2024). The project was led by the single “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi. Heis earned a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Grammy Awards, marking Rema’s first Grammy nod.

Highlights & Achievements

• Signed to Jonzing World/Mavin Records (2019)
• Hit Single: “Dumebi” (2019)
• Debut Album: Rave & Roses (2022)
• Global Hit: “Calm Down” ft. Selena Gomez
• Second Album: Heis (2024)
• Grammy Nominee – Best Global Music Album
• Brand Ambassador – Pepsi (2021)

Genre & Style

Rema has been credited with helping shape the emerging sub-genre Afrorave. His music often blends African rhythms with elements of hip-hop, Arabian melodies, and Indian percussion, setting him apart as a true innovator in Afrobeats and global music.

Fun Fact

Rema’s music has been featured on FIFA 21 and praised by major international figures, positioning him as one of Africa’s most exciting music exports.

Net Worth

Estimated Net Worth: $1 million