The year 2019 came with its ton of surprises in the Nigerian music industry. New talents came up and took over the music scene. One of these new talents is Rema, a fast-rising Marvin record artist, and singer of popular songs, Iron man and Dumebi. That should ring a bell. This article provides you with what you need to know about Rema; his biography, background, life history, net worth, etc. Read on below:
Who is Rema?
Rema is a young Nigerian singer, most probably the youngest celebrity musician at the moment. He is currently signed to Jonzing records, a subsidiary of Marvin records owned by D-Prince, the younger brother to popularly music producer, Don Jazzy. Rema is well known for his track “Dumebi” and is thought by many to be the next big thing in the music industry. No doubt, the Nigerian music industry is at its most productive point in history with the turnout of many young talents. One cannot help but notice Rema, a very talented boy with a unique sound.
Rema’s profile, background, and family
The real name of Rema is Divine Ikubor. Divine was born in 2001 in Benin City, Edo State (this makes him 19 years old). Although not much is known about his childhood, we know that the talented lad was born and grew up in Benin city. Rema was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State. He also grew up singing and rapping while in secondary school. It was still in Benin City that Rema completed both his primary and secondary school education and obtained both his First School Leaving Certificate and West African Senior School Certificate. Rema is reported to have come from a low-income family where he had to work hard in order to take care of his mother after the death of his father and brother within short intervals. It is said that Rema had to travel to Ghana to work on a beach so he could buy a car for his mother. Rema is still very young and has hit fame quite early, one wonders if he will be willing to further his education to tertiary level, we can only wait and see.
Nigeria is filled with many talents, especially in the Nigerian music industry, it is not surprising to find many young stars, putting in their best and hoping the spotlight falls on them. This is because of how lucrative the Nigerian music industry has become over the years. Also, singers are accorded much respect in Nigerian society. However, it is still a marvel to see a young lad like Rema state that his dreams are to become an A-list artiste and compete with musicians who have been in the industry for a longer time.
Introduction to Marvin Records
In December 2018, popular singer, Reekado Banks left Marvin Records. Rema was then added to the well-respected label. Marvin records can boast of many other popular acts such as Tiwa Savage (who would later leave), Korede Bello, Dija, Dr. Sid, D’Prince, Poe, Johnny Drille. Having Rema on the list was indeed a big feat. D’Prince described Rema has a Craftman whose work needed to be heard by the whole world. Rema was discovered by D’Prince and wrote songs for the record for a while until D’Prince introduced the young boy to his brother, Don Jazzy. It was Don Jazzy who then changed his name from Rhema to Rema. On the 22nd of 22, 2019, Rema was announced as the latest addition to Mavin Records where he was referred to as the future of Afrobeats. Although, fingers are crossed, considering that it’s too early to be sure how far he can go since he is new into the industry and is a young talent. After Rema signed a record deal with Jonzing World, in 2019, he released his debut EP Rema. As is expected of Marvins record, the record label promoted Rema’s music well and the song peaked at number 1 on Apple Music Nigeria.
Rema’s Net worth
Rema’s net worth is largely hidden to the general public by his record label but one can make estimations based on speculations. Some estimate Rema’s net worth to be about $500,000.
Many argue that this is a rather huge sum for someone who has just released only four songs, but one should not forget that Rema gets his money from his music which has gained huge recognition and through live performances.
Fame and Criticism
Rema released his first hit single “Iron Man” which not only trended in Nigeria but in the whole world. Iron Man was on the list of Barrack Obama’s summer list song which is very impressive for an artist who has just begun his career. Rema has since followed that with three other tracks, and the young lad assures his fans of many more coming. The video of his song, Dumebi also caused a rave, although some criticized it for lack of plot. Some other songs by Rema are:
- Corny
- Dumebi
- Why
- Iron Man
Rema- Awards and Recognition
Much to the amazement of many, Rema emerged the winner of the Headies 2019 “Next Rated” Award. It came as a huge surprise to many because the category was packed with other star artists like Fireboy and Zlatan Ibile. On 12 January 2020, Rema received the Soundcity MVP for the best new artist. Check out a list of Rema’s songs below:
EPs
- Rema (2019)
- Rema Freestyle (2019)
- Bad Commando (2019)
Singles
- Iron Man (2019)
- Why (2019)
- Dumebi (2019)
- Corny (2019)
- Boulevard (2019)
- American Love (2019)
- Spiderman (2019)
- Trap Out the Submarine (2019)
- Bad Commando (2019)
- Lady (2019)
- Rewind (2019)
- Spaceship Jocelyn (2019)
- Dumebi Remix (ft Becky G) (2020)
- Beamer (Bad Boys) (2020)
- Rainbow (2020)
We can only keep our fingers crossed as we expect more mind-blowing music from the very much talented Marvin.
Cool. I never knew rema had so much money and international recognition