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Tag: REMA

  • AFRIMA 2025: Burna Boy, Davido, Rema make nominees list

    AFRIMA 2025: Burna Boy, Davido, Rema make nominees list

    The Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) on Wednesday unveiled its 2025 nominees featuring Davido, Burna Boy, El Grande Toto, Rema, Fally Ipupa, Shallipopi, Himra, Moliy, Ayra Starr, Jux, and Mia Guissé.

    Mr Michael Osunnuyi, the PR and Media Relations Manager for AFRIMA, disclosed this in a statement in Lagos.

    Osunnuyi said that this year’s edition recorded 10,717 entries, the highest since AFRIMA’s inception 12 years ago.

    “After a 10-day adjudication process, a 13-member international jury shortlisted 343 nominees across 40 categories, representing Africa’s five regions and the diaspora.”

    Burna Boy and Davido lead the nominations with five each including ‘Album of the Year’ and ‘Song of the Year’, while South Africa’s DJ Maphorisa and Morocco’s El Grande Toto also secured five nominations apiece.

    Senegal’s Mia Guissé and Ghana’s Moliy also have matched them with five nods each, highlighting the growing influence of female artistes on the continent’s music scene.

    Shallipopi earned four nominations including ‘Artiste of the Year’, while Egypt’s Amr Diab, Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Tyla from South Africa and Eswatini’s Uncle Waffles also bagged four nominations each.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s Himra, Gabon’s Eboloko, DR Congo’s Fally Ipupa and Rema were among artistes with three nominations.

    The diaspora category also features strong contenders including DJ Snake, Aya Nakamura, Darkoo, and Deborah Lukalu.

    Public voting will open globally on Sept. 10, via AFRIMA’s official website and will close on Nov. 30, the eve of the main awards.

    AFRIMA jury member, Delani Makhalima described the 2025 nominees list as proof of African music’s growing global dominance.

    “In just 12 years, we’ve gone from being marginalised to becoming a global force. This is AFRIMA, the biggest music entity on the continent,” he said.

    Organised in partnership with the African Union Commission, the Federal Government, and Lagos State as host city, AFRIMA 2025 will run from Nov.  25 to Nov. 30.

    The week-long celebration will feature a Welcome Soiree, AFRIMA Music Village, the Africa Music Business Summit, Nominees Party, and culminate in the main awards ceremony on November 30, to be broadcast live across 84 countries.

  • This is disrespectful – Rema attacked for performing with statues of Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy

    This is disrespectful – Rema attacked for performing with statues of Davido, Wizkid and Burna Boy

    Nigerian music superstar, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has come under criticism for disrespecting Afrobeat giants Davido, Burna Boy and Wizkid during a recent concert.

    The ‘Heis’  crooner while performing at Madison Square Garden (MSG) in New York City made a bold declaration, as he brought statues of Afrobeats giants Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid on stage towering symbols of the genre’s current powerhouses. 

    The 23-year-old singer also included himself alongside these legends, hereby implying that he was a powerhouse just like his senior colleagues.

    Not stopping there, the singer also declared that there were no more big three, but big four, which his  crowd roared in approval.

    The singer’s action has sparked an outrage amongst fans who found it disrespectful to the African giants.

    Taking to Twitter, now known as X, Daniel Regha berated Rema for subtly disrespecting them. According to the popular critic, Rema can never be in the same league with the legends.

    He wrote, “Rema will never be in the same league as Davido, Wizkid, or Burna. What he did, performing “Hehehe” next to their mannequins, isn’t entertainment but an act of subtle disrespect. His management should have known better, there’s a thin line between admiration and mockery. When it comes to the conversation about the Big 3, or even the Top 10, he’s not making such a list unless it’s a list of new artists from his time/era. No offence”.

    Another user who agreed with Regha wrote, “I support Regha on this because why he dey claim big 4 when Olamide dey. But I’m sure he would have gotten their consent before doing this as well sha.”

    One user disagreed saying, “Rema didn’t disrespect anyone. He showed respect by including the Big 3 in his moment. It was his way of saying, “I see those who came before me, and I’m here too”. That’s not disrespect, it’s growth

    Another user remarked, “But Daniel is right. He should find his own top 3, not add to an already made top 3 list and make it 4.”

  • Rema makes history: First African artiste on Rolling Stone cover

    Rema makes history: First African artiste on Rolling Stone cover

    Nigerian music superstar, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has made history as the first African artiste to feature on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

    The Rolling Stone is an American monthly magazine that focuses on music, politics, and popular culture.

    According to Rolling Stone, the Afrobeats sensation known for breaking boundaries on the global stage, is the Cover Star  for April edition of  the  prestigious magazine.

    Mavin Records lauded the uncommon feat with a post on its official Instagram page: “Rave Lordé Rema the Afrobeats Visionary, makes history as @Rollingstone USA First African Cover Star!”

    Following the recognition, the ‘Heis’  crooner thrilled audiences with an electrifying performance at the Rolling Stone concert, performing some of his hit songs, including ‘Dumebi’, ‘Woman’ and ‘Calm Down’.

    This milestone has further cemented Rema’s place as a trailblazer for African music, as this feat is coming  shortly after  he was highlighted on the cover of Dazed Magazine, another major international platform.

    Rema, born in 2000 in Benin City, came to limelight in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records.

    His rising profile has continued to highlight Afrobeats on global stage, as his hit song “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez became the most streamed Afrobeats track in history, earning him multiple platinum certifications.

    The song also broke records as the first African-led track to surpass a billion on Spotify streams, dominating  international charts.

    ‘Calm Down’ became number one hit on the world’s first regional streaming chart and first-ever official chart in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), earning Rema a Guinness World Record.

    Among, other global showcase, Rema has also made history as the first African artiste to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony, when he thrilled audience at the 2023 Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris, France.

  • Rema makes history as first artist to grace Dazed magazine cover twice

    Rema makes history as first artist to grace Dazed magazine cover twice

    Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has achieved another remarkable milestone in his illustrious career, becoming the first artist to feature on the cover of Dazed Magazine twice.

    This notable accomplishment solidifies Rema’s position as a trailblazer in the music industry, underscoring his innovative style and artistic expression.

    In the latest edition of Dazed Magazine, specifically the ‘Dazed Newgen’ issue, Rema delves into the profound inspirations behind his unique sound and artistic expression.

    He graces the fourth cover of the issue, where he opens up about his creative process, sharing insights into the ancestral influences that shape his music and artistry.

    Rema’s latest feature on Dazed Magazine adds to his growing list of international covers, including ‘Schön, I-D, Clash,’ and ‘FADER’.

  • Mercy Chinwo, Rema shine at 2025 Trace Awards

    Mercy Chinwo, Rema shine at 2025 Trace Awards

    The prestigious TRACE Awards 2025 took place on February 26 at the breathtaking Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

    The event showcased the incredible richness and diversity of Afro music, featuring an array of genres including Afrobeats, dancehall, hip-hop, and Afropop.

    Artists from over 30 countries competed in 24 categories, demonstrating exceptional talent and creativity that continues to shape the global music landscape. Nigeria’s music industry was well-represented, with several artists taking home top honors.

    Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, sweeping three categories: Album of the Year, Best Music Video, and Best Male Artist.

    Legendary musician Dbanj, whose real name is Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, recognizing his enduring impact on the music industry.

    Gospel music sensation Mercy Chinwo also took home a coveted award for Best Gospel Music, solidifying her position as a leading voice in Nigeria’s gospel music scene. Other Nigerian artists, including Ayra Starr, also won awards in various categories.

  • Top Nigerian music stars, Rema, Asake make Obama’s favourite songs of 2024

    Top Nigerian music stars, Rema, Asake make Obama’s favourite songs of 2024

    Nigerian music stars, Rema and Asake have made the list of former American president, Barack Obama’s favourite music of 2024.

    TheNewsGuru.com(TNG) reports that the singers are the only Nigerians on the playlist unveiled by Obama on his X post on Friday night.

    The former American leader further encouraged others to explore his song picks and share their music recommendations he should listen to.

    “Here are my favourite songs from this year! Check them out if you’re looking to shake up your playlist – and let me know if there’s a song or artist I should make sure to listen to,” he wrote.

    ‘Yayo’ by Rema and ‘Active’ by Asake featuring Travis Scott are the Nigerian songs featured on the list.

    The songs on the playlist, cut across diferent musical genres, include ‘Jump’ by Tyla, ‘Peaceful Place’ by Leon Bridges, ‘Lunch’ by Bi ‘Is It Worth It’ by Bae Kalil and ‘Rablin” by The Red Clay Strays.

  • Rema, Tems among Nigerian stars on Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

    Rema, Tems among Nigerian stars on Rolling Stone’s ‘top 100 albums of 2024’ list

    The projects of top Nigerian singers, Rema, Tems, and Ayra Starr have been listed among Rolling Stone’s ‘best 100 albums of 2024’.

    The magazine released the list on Monday, highlighting outstanding albums that have enjoyed global success in the year.

     Heis‘, Rema’s second studio album which secured the number 11th spot in the list, was described as a “unique, buzzy and visceral” project.

    “Heis sounds more like a rave than almost anything Rema has made prior raging while everything else simmers. The result is the buzzy, visceral, sweat-it-out music that no one else in the mainstream is making,” it wrote

    According to the magazine, Tem’s debut album ‘Born in the Wild‘ earned the 37th spot due to the “physical and emotional listening experience” it gives.

    “Her debut album measures the soul work it’s taken to get here. All of it has paid off on an album so rich that the listening experience is a physical one as much as it is emotional,” it wrote.

    While Starr’s second album ‘The Year I Turned 21′ clinched the 53rd position. According to Rolling Stone, the album showcased the singer’s “musical maturity and enviable passion”.

    “Ayra Starr asserts a musical maturity that be could be considered far beyond her years but perhaps more aptly serves as a reminder of the emotional depth, logical process and enviable passion young people possess,” it added.

  • Rema discloses plans on giving back to society

    Rema discloses plans on giving back to society

    Nigerian  singer Divine Ikubor popularly known as Rema, has opened up on his plans to give back to his society.

    In a recent interview on the Breakfast Club, the calm down crooner, spoke on his desire to go above the conventional methods of sharing rice, which is a common practice in Nigeria.

    According to him, it is  time for artists to use their influence to tell politicians the gospel truth.

    “With the influence we have as artists, I feel like we are now at the point where we can tell politicians ‘No’ you are not doing your job.

    “If I am seated with the governor, I will whisper in his ear, I  don’t think you are doing the right thing, sorry it is coming from a 24-year-old.

    “We can help convince them about policies and with the little we can do, invest the money we made. By  bringing it back home and giving kids  life meaning” he said.

    He decried the traditional methods of distributing rice to the masses, adding that it does not solve long term problems.

    “A lot of times I tell my manager that it is not about giving rice all the time. You don’t know if some kid has an allergy to rice.

    ”Then when you leave,  the kid has to go to the hospital to sort it out. There is a whole perspective of me giving back.

    “I don’t like to do the basic thing like ‘I gave you food,’ because what about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?he added.

    The  renowned singer went ahead to offer more lasting solutions to the peoples problems.

    “I will rather create a platform that will consistently provide, educate and give clothes or shelters.

    “It can  be 200  to 500 people, it can also be 1000 people if it is quite consistent. It is  better than giving 1 million people food today and tomorrow.

    “This is because they can be  hungry again. That  is my perspective on giving back by the   use of  platforms and policies,” he added.

  • It is not about giving rice – Rema tells Nigerian leaders how to tackle hardship

    It is not about giving rice – Rema tells Nigerian leaders how to tackle hardship

    Afrobeat star Divine Ikubor, known popularly as Rema has taken to social media to Nigerian leaders to  implement effective measures to address the hardship in the country.

    According to the 23-year-old singer, providing a temporary relief will not assuage the suffering of the people.

    Sharing his thoughts during an appearance on The Breakfast Club, the singer said it is important that  Nigerian leaders establish sustainable platforms to consistently provide for the masses.

    Rema also stated that he has been advising Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on some of his policies whenever they meet.

    He said, “It’s not about giving rice. Do you know if some kids have an allergy to rice? What about tomorrow? What are they going to eat tomorrow?

    “It’s better to create a platform that would consistently provide. Create a platform that would consistently educate. Create a platform that would consistently clothe. Create a platform that would consistently shelter the hungry people.”

  • Daddy Freeze gives real reason Rema donated millions to Christ Embassy

    Daddy Freeze gives real reason Rema donated millions to Christ Embassy

    Media personality, DaddyFreeze has reacted to news of Afrobeat star Divine Ikubor, known popularly as Rema donating N105 million to the church he attended while growing up.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the singer visited the Christ Embassy on Sunday, September 1, where he pledged N40 million towards the church infrastructure, N20 million to Rhapsody of Realities and N25 towards the infrastructure of the teen’s church. He went on to announce an N20 million donation to any widow in the church.

    While announcing the donation for widows, he said; ‘’I was eight years old when I lost my dad. We felt very lost and abandoned. All that we had was taken from us and we felt very alone. I remember at the time, the church opened a shop for my mum and that was what she managed to take care of us, feed us. Just to add to that, if there is any widow in church today, I am pledging N20 million to any widow in church today”

    Reacting, controversial media personaily, DaddyFreeze noted that the singer did not give to the church but gave back to the church.

    According to Daddy Freeze, Rema returned the favour the church sowed into the singer’s family when they were going through a rough patch, adding that the 23-year-old is taking ‘back his harvest’.

    In his words, ”NO, Rema did not GIVE to the Church; He gave BACK to the Church. When his family was going through a rough patch, the church was there for them financially. He is now returning the favor. There is a huge difference.

    “Why did he give to that particular church? Because when he LO$T his dad, the church opened a shop for his mum. That was part of what helped his folks put food on the table during a difficult period.

    “So unlike you going to sow your seed in church, Rema is taking part of his ‘Harvest’ to those who sowed their seed in him. As far as I’m concerned he should even give them more. God bless the pastor that sowedminto his family.”