It seems, it is now part of his model to wait for two years before releasing another album. With HEIS, fans should only expect Rema releasing another album by 2026.
Whether for fuse, in-house ruckus or an intention, Rema behaved like Wizkid, leaving us yearning for his album. Two years down the line, then, released HEIS. If not a delayed gratification, probably there is no word to qualify it. But this was not Rema’s first time of delaying. He did that too with “Rave and Roses,” which was released two years after “Rema Compilation”. It seems, it is now part of his model to wait for two years before releasing another album. With HEIS, fans should only expect Rema releasing another album by 2026.
Rema, also known as Divine Ikubor, is a talented Nigerian artist who gained attention after a viral freestyle caught the eye of D’Prince, leading to the release of his debut single in 2019. He later signed with Jonzing World, a sister label to Mavin Global Records, and embarked on a successful career.
Rema, credit: Style Rave.
In 2020, Rema released a compilation of his singles, signaling his growing presence in the music industry. However, it was his official debut album, “Rave & Roses,” in 2022 that truly solidified his position as a groundbreaking artist. The album’s track “Calm Down” and its remix featuring Selena Gomez garnered international success, reaching high positions on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. “Calm Down” made history by leading the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for an astonishing 58 weeks.
Rema, Image credit: Style Rave.
Following the success of “Rave & Roses,” Rema released his fourth commercial EP, “Ravage,” in 2023, which broke streaming records on platforms like Spotify Nigeria. The EP’s lead single, “Trouble Maker,” further established Rema’s influence in the music industry. Throughout his career, Rema has not only achieved mainstream success with chart-topping singles and sold-out concerts but has also used his platform to advocate for cultural traditions and practices, honoring his heritage.
After a two-year hiatus, Rema released his highly anticipated sophomore album, “HEIS,” in 2024. The album, named after the Greek word for Numeral 1, signifies Rema’s crowning achievement as the Prince of Afrobeats. “HEIS” showcases a more mature and intense side of Rema, incorporating elements from different musical genres such as 80s synth music, trap, electronic dance music, and amapiano. Rema pays homage to the roots of Afrobeats while pushing the boundaries to establish the unique “Afro-Rave” genre, characterized by bold lyrics and diverse musical influences.
The album features standout tracks such as “Benin Boys,” an anthemic ode to his hometown, and “March Am,” a high-energy production co-produced by Rema. “Villain,” another notable track, blends afro-EDM elements and pays homage to Lana Del Rey’s “A & W ” with a unique twist. “HEIS” is a testament to Rema’s ability to fuse traditional and contemporary sounds, offering a fresh perspective on Afrobeats and Afro-Rave.
“HEIS” is a boundary-defying project that fully realizes the Afro-Rave genre while honoring the essence of Afrobeats in its purest form. Rema’s artistry and dedication to his cultural roots shine through in this landmark album.
I am a writer and investigative journalist who specialises in literary criticism and underrepresented narratives. Among other publications, I have been featured in Business Day Nigeria, TheICIR, Platform Times and Daily Nigerian. Right now, I work as a full-time staff writer for Unconventional Magazine.
I am a writer and investigative journalist who specialises in literary criticism and underrepresented narratives. Among other publications, I have been featured in Business Day Nigeria, TheICIR, Platform Times and Daily Nigerian. Right now, I work as a full-time staff writer for Unconventional Magazine.
