Meet Rema: Afrobeats Royalty, Bio, Net Worth And Career Highlights
Rema, born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, has become one of the most influential figures in the global music scene. Known for his distinct fusion of Afrobeats with trap, hip-hop, and international sounds, Rema’s rise from a local artist to Afrobeats royalty is a testament to his unique style and dedication to his craft. In this comprehensive bio, we explore Rema’s journey, career milestones, net worth, and his impact on the global music industry.
Early Life and Education of Rema
Rema was born into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, where he spent his childhood. From an early age, he exhibited a passion for music, particularly the sounds of Afrobeats, hip-hop, and dancehall. Rema attended Ighile Group of Schools in Benin City, where he began exploring his musical talents. His journey into the limelight began in 2019 when his skills as a rapper and vocalist caught the attention of music industry professionals.
Despite his early success in music, Rema pursued formal education and was accepted into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2022. However, his university studies were put on hold due to the prolonged ASUU strike, which affected many Nigerian students. Although Rema's education took a backseat, his music career was steadily climbing.
Rema’s Breakthrough and Rise to Fame
Rema's journey into the music world officially began in 2019 when he posted a freestyle of D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. His talent quickly caught the eye of D'Prince, a member of the popular Mavin Records family. This connection led to Rema signing a record deal with Jonzing World, which later became a subsidiary of Mavin Records, one of Nigeria’s most prominent record labels.
In 2019, Rema released his debut EP, Rema, which included the hit single "Dumebi." The song's infectious beat, catchy chorus, and relatable lyrics quickly gained traction, making it one of the most played tracks in Nigeria and across Africa. "Dumebi" even earned a spot on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist, propelling Rema into international recognition.
Rema’s Debut Album: Rave & Roses (2022)
In March 2022, Rema released his much-anticipated debut studio album, Rave & Roses. The album showcased Rema’s versatility as an artist, blending Afrobeats with trap, hip-hop, and global influences. Rave & Roses debuted at number 81 on the Billboard 200, marking a significant milestone in Rema’s career as one of the few Nigerian artists to make it onto the prestigious chart.
The album featured collaborations with international artists such as 6lack, Chris Brown, and AJ Tracey. However, it was the single “Calm Down” that truly marked Rema’s breakout moment on the global stage. The track's infectious rhythm and relatable lyrics resonated with millions of listeners worldwide, and its remix with American pop star Selena Gomez skyrocketed it to international fame.
"Calm Down" made waves on international charts, reaching number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and leading the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-breaking 58 weeks. This success cemented Rema’s position as one of the leading voices of Afrobeats and African music globally.
Rema’s Career in 2023: 'Rave & Roses Ultra' and the Ravage EP
In 2023, Rema’s success continued with the release of Rave & Roses Ultra, a deluxe version of his debut album. This release made history as the first African album to surpass two billion streams on Spotify, further solidifying his influence in the music industry. Later that year, Rema released the Ravage EP, a collection of tracks that highlighted his growth as an artist and his ability to experiment with new sounds and genres.
In addition to his musical achievements, Rema’s impact on the global music scene was recognized with several accolades, including winning the Digital Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards. Rema’s ability to blend Afrobeats with global sounds continued to resonate with both African and international audiences.
2024: The Release of HEIS and Continued Dominance
In July 2024, Rema dropped his highly anticipated second studio album, HEIS. The album, which featured collaborations with artists like ODUMODUBLVCK and Shallipopi, was met with widespread acclaim. The album’s title, HEIS, derived from the Greek word for “numeral 1,” represents Rema’s ambition to remain at the top of the Afrobeats genre and continue pushing musical boundaries.
Rema’s rise to global superstardom continued in 2024, as he became one of the most celebrated African artists worldwide. His ability to seamlessly fuse African rhythms with global influences has earned him recognition not only within Africa but also on the international music scene.
Rema’s Musical Style: A Fusion of Cultures
Rema’s musical style is a distinctive blend of Afrobeats, trap, hip-hop, and even Indian and Arabian influences. In 2021, he coined the term “Afrorave” to describe his unique sound, which fuses traditional African rhythms with contemporary global trends. His innovative approach has not only set him apart from other artists but has also played a pivotal role in introducing African music to a wider global audience.
His fusion of cultures is evident in hits like "Dumebi," "Iron Man," "Beamer (Bad Boys)," and "Soundgasm." Rema’s sound is a reflection of his diverse musical influences and his commitment to creating something fresh and exciting in the ever-evolving world of Afrobeats.
Awards and Recognition: A Global Superstar
Rema’s talent has been widely recognized across the globe. In 2023, he won the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video, further solidifying his status as a global force in the music industry. In addition to his MTV award, Rema’s single “Calm Down” made waves globally, earning him the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song.
Rema’s accolades continued in 2024, with the HEIS album receiving a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. This recognition further highlighted Rema’s growing influence on the global music scene and his ability to appeal to audiences from various cultures and backgrounds.
Rema’s Personal Life: Beyond the Music
Rema’s personal life has also garnered attention, particularly his transparency regarding the death of his father. In September 2020, Rema publicly sought clarification from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) about the circumstances surrounding his father’s death, showing his determination to seek justice for his family. Despite his personal challenges, Rema has remained focused on his music career and continues to be a source of inspiration for many aspiring artists.
Rema’s Net Worth in 2025: A Young Millionaire
As of 2025, Rema’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. This fortune comes from a combination of his successful music career, lucrative brand endorsements, and streaming royalties. Rema has signed endorsement deals with major brands such as Pepsi, further boosting his income. His ability to maintain a global presence and consistently release chart-topping music has contributed significantly to his wealth at such a young age.
Rema’s Legacy and Impact on African Music
Rema’s rise to stardom represents the global recognition of African music and its ability to transcend borders. Through his innovative sound, Rema has played a pivotal role in popularizing Afrobeats across the world. His music has not only earned him a massive fanbase but has also opened doors for other African artists to gain international recognition.
As a young artist, Rema’s success story is one of hard work, innovation, and breaking barriers. His continued success serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and proves that African artists can thrive in the global music industry. Rema is not just a music artist but a cultural ambassador for African music.
FAQs
1. What is Rema’s real name? Rema’s real name is Divine Ikubor. He was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
2. How much is Rema worth in 2025? As of 2025, Rema’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million, mainly from his music sales, brand endorsements, and streaming royalties.
3. What was Rema’s big break? Rema’s breakthrough came in 2019 with his hit single "Dumebi," which gained widespread popularity and earned him international recognition.
4. What is the genre of Rema’s music? Rema is known for blending Afrobeats with trap, hip-hop, and international influences. He refers to his style as “Afrorave.”
5. Has Rema won any major awards? Yes, Rema has won several prestigious awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song.
6. Who are some of Rema’s collaborators? Rema has collaborated with international artists such as Chris Brown, 6lack, Selena Gomez, and AJ Tracey.
Conclusion
Rema’s journey from a local talent in Benin City to becoming Afrobeats royalty is a remarkable story of success. His innovative sound, global collaborations, and relentless pursuit of excellence have made him one of the most influential African artists of his generation. With a growing net worth, numerous awards, and an ever-expanding fanbase, Rema’s impact on the music industry is undeniable. As he continues to break records and push boundaries, Rema’s legacy as one of the leading figures in Afrobeats is solidified.
