Afrobeat Has a New Sub-Genre, Thanks to Rema

The 21-year-old Nigerian singer and songwriter wants to be regarded as the pioneer of the new sub-genre.

by Dominic Okolie May 22, 2021, 9:48 pm 2.4k Views 1 Comment

Born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000 Rema is a Nigerian singer and songwriter signed to Mavin Records. The 21-year-old has enjoyed a meteoric rise since his debut in 2019, gaining success with numerous singles and hit songs.

However, Rema has been often criticised, especially for his style of music. As often the case of Nigerian critics on social media who always find a way to shade celebrities, Rema’s music has been described as sounding like Bollywood movies themed music.

Nonetheless, the singer in a tweet posted on Saturday, May 22 has found a constructive way to respond to those criticisms by describing his music as “Afrorave,” adding that the new music genre should be regarded as a sub-genre of Afrobeat. Rema’s fans referred to as Ravers.

REMA on Twitter: “From this day my sound will be called “Afrorave” a sub-genre of Afrobeat, my Album seals this claim for good. / Twitter”
From this day my sound will be called “Afrorave” a sub-genre of Afrobeat, my Album seals this claim for good.

On his 21st Birthday, May 1, 2021 the singer released a series of tweets addressing his critics, highlighting areas of his career which included his style of music, fashion, and his progression.

REMA on Twitter: “”His lyrics are childish” Yes! I’m young fucking let me grow, if I start spitting all the bars now what will spit when I’m 30 years old, I barely write music let me have a collection of experiences and chat real shit from my heart! Many niggas sing about shit they don’t do! / Twitter”
“His lyrics are childish” Yes! I’m young fucking let me grow, if I start spitting all the bars now what will spit when I’m 30 years old, I barely write music let me have a collection of experiences and chat real shit from my heart! Many niggas sing about shit they don’t do!

In 2020, Rema was in President Barack Obama’s playlist and his song Beamer is featured in video game makers EA Sports FIFA 2021 along with fellow Nigerian musicians, Fire Boy DML, and Burna Boy.

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