Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has declared himself not just a star in the genre—but the future of it. Speaking to a gathering of entertainment journalists on Saturday in his hometown, Benin City, the 24-year-old confidently charted out his vision for the future of African music.
“I’m not just riding the wave, I am the wave. I am the future of Afrobeats,” Rema said with conviction.
During the media chat, Rema opened up about his journey, the evolution of Afrobeats, and his ambitious plans to push boundaries globally. The Mavin Records and Jonzing World star, known for global smash hits like Dumebi, Calm Down, and Bounce, made it clear that he’s not just following trends—he’s setting them.
“I came into the game with a unique sound and vision. Now the world is moving to that sound. That tells me I’m not just part of the movement; I’m leading it,” he stated.
Respecting Legends, Redefining the Era
While asserting his pioneering role, Rema paid homage to the heavyweights of Afrobeats who paved the way.
“We respect legends like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Davido and others. They laid bricks,” he said. “But this new era—it’s different. It’s more global, more versatile, more expressive. I’m here to shape that future.”
Rema’s artistic fearlessness is evident in his cross-genre experiments, most notably the Calm Down remix with Selena Gomez, which shattered global streaming records and introduced Afrobeats to a broader Western audience.
A Hero’s Homecoming
Earlier this year, Rema returned to Benin City for a sold-out concert that not only celebrated his career but his deep cultural roots. In a historic moment, the Oba of Benin, His Royal Majesty Oba Ewuare II, honoured Rema with a private audience and royal blessings.
The Oba even presented Rema with the symbolic keys to the city, recognizing him as a cultural ambassador of Benin on the global stage—a gesture that touched the artist deeply.
Beyond Music: A Cultural Movement
Rema hinted at future projects that include genre-blending experiments, international collaborations, and a potential world tour. But more than the music, Rema is driven by the idea of legacy.
“My goal is not only to dominate charts but also to be a cultural force that inspires future African artists to dream without borders.”
“I want every young boy from Benin City, from the trenches, to know it’s possible. Afrobeats is not a phase. It’s forever—and I’m just getting started.”
As fans and critics alike react to his bold declaration, one thing is clear: Rema is not just in the conversation—he’s steering it. With his unmatched sound, global reach, and fearless creativity, he stands tall as one of the most compelling voices in the new era of Afrobeats.
