Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is one of the brightest stars of the Nigerian music scene and a defining voice of the Afrobeats global wave. Known for his fusion of Afrobeats, trap, pop, and R&B, Rema stormed onto the music scene in 2019 and has since become a global phenomenon. With his boyish charm, edgy sound, and magnetic stage presence, he has carved a unique niche, being dubbed as one of the most genre-bending African artists of his generation.
Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Nigeria, Rema was raised in a devout Christian household. He began his musical journey at a very young age, rapping in church and forming a music group while in secondary school. Tragedy struck early when he lost both his father and elder brother, a turning point that inspired him to push even harder for success in music.
Rema’s big break came in 2019 when he posted a freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. The clip caught D’Prince’s attention, who then signed him to Mavin Records (via Jonzing World). His debut single “Iron Man” was an instant hit and even made it to Barack Obama’s summer playlist that year. The release of his self-titled EP in 2019 introduced the world to his distinctive sound and affirmed his place among the top young talents in Africa.
In 2022, he dropped his debut album “Rave & Roses”, which featured international hits like “Calm Down”. The remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez became a global smash, topping charts across Europe, the Middle East, and India, and making history as one of the longest-charting African songs on the Billboard Hot 100.
Rema has continued to break barriers, performing at global festivals, collaborating with international artists, and redefining Afrobeats with a futuristic twist. He proudly refers to his sound as “Afrorave”—a subgenre he coined to represent his unique style.
Personal Life
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Original/Real Name | Divine Ikubor |
| Other/Nickname | Rema |
| Profession/Occupation | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter |
| Birthplace | Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Age | 25 years (as of 2025) |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 2000 |
| Hometown | Benin City, Nigeria |
| Caste/Religion | Christian |
| Zodiac sign/Sun sign | Taurus |
| Current career status | Active |
Physical Appearance
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Height (Centimeters) | 173 cm (5’8″) |
| Weight (Kilograms) | 65 kg |
| Body Measurements | Not Publicly Known |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Eye’s Color | Dark Brown |
Family Relatives & Siblings
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Father’s name | Late Justice Ikubor |
| Mother’s name | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Brother’s name | Late elder brother (name not disclosed) |
| Sister’s name | N/A |
Marital Status, Affairs, Boyfriends/Girlfriends, Kids & Relationship
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Girlfriend | Rumored relationships, but none publicly confirmed |
| Dating | Not publicly disclosed |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Spouse/Wife | N/A |
| Son | N/A |
| Daughter | N/A |
Education Qualification and Schooling/College
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| School | Ighile Group of Schools, Benin City |
| College/University | University of Lagos (admission reported in 2022) |
| Educational Qualification | Ongoing university studies |
Controversies
- In 2020, Rema posted a series of cryptic and emotional tweets about betrayal and systemic injustice, which sparked concern among fans. He later clarified that he was venting and expressing personal grief.
- He’s been vocal about the loss of his father under suspicious circumstances, a topic that he once brought up publicly, drawing national attention.
Favorite Things and Likes & Dislikes
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Favorite Food | Nigerian jollof rice, fried plantain |
| Favorite Movie | “Avengers: Endgame” |
| Favorite Actor | Chadwick Boseman |
| Favorite Actress | Lupita Nyong’o |
| Favorite Color | Black |
| Favorite Designer | Off-White, Louis Vuitton |
| Favorite Destination | Los Angeles, California |
| Favorite Cafe | N/A |
| Favorite Daily Wear Brand | Streetwear (Palm Angels, Trapstar) |
| Favorite Book | Not publicly disclosed |
| Favorite Athlete | Cristiano Ronaldo |
Money/Net Worth
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Salary | Varies by performance, estimated $50,000–$100,000 per show |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $2–3 million (2025) |
Contact Information
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Official Website | N/A |
| E-Mail Address | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| Phone Number | Not Publicly Disclosed |
| House Address | Lagos, Nigeria |
Social Media
| Platform | Handle |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Rema |
| @heisrema | |
| Official Facebook Page | |
| @heisrema |
Personal quote:
“Afrorave is not just a sound, it’s my identity, my rebellion, my voice in a world that tried to define me.”
Early Life and Career
Rema grew up in the streets of Benin City where music, church, and hardship shaped his early identity. As a child, he was already performing in church with a remarkable presence that hinted at the star he would become. After losing his father and brother, he took on the responsibility of supporting his mother and channeling his pain into art.
His viral freestyle over “Gucci Gang” changed his life overnight, leading to a signing with Mavin Records through D’Prince’s Jonzing World. His 2019 EP “Rema” featured hits like “Dumebi” and “Iron Man,” launching him into stardom. The EP showcased his genre-blending potential, mixing Afrobeats with trap, pop, and Indian music influences. By 2020, he was already dubbed the “Prince of Afrobeats” and a global ambassador for the new wave of African sound.
Current Life/Events
Rema continues to dominate global charts, especially following the runaway success of “Calm Down” (with Selena Gomez). In 2023–2025, he has toured across Europe, North America, and Asia, becoming a household name beyond Nigeria. He also released “Ravage,” an experimental EP that reaffirmed his musical risk-taking spirit.
He’s been nominated and won several awards, including Headies, AFRIMA, and MTV EMAs. Internationally, he’s received nominations at the Billboard Music Awards and iHeartRadio Awards.
Rema is currently working on his next studio album and expanding the “Afrorave” sound into an international movement.
Facts
- Rema coined the term Afrorave to describe his fusion of Afrobeats with trap and electronic music.
- “Calm Down” became the most streamed Afrobeats song of all time on Spotify by 2024.
- He was included in Forbes Africa’s 30 Under 30 list in 2021.
- He is an anime enthusiast and often references anime culture in his music videos and fashion.
- Rema often rides dirt bikes, showcasing his adventurous and rebellious side.
- Despite his fame, he remains deeply spiritual and attributes his success to his faith in God.
- He once revealed he writes music in total darkness to channel deeper emotions.
- His fashion sense is globally recognized; he has appeared in campaigns for Bape, Converse, and Billionaire Boys Club.
- He is known for his genre-fluid style and often switches between rapping and singing effortlessly.
- He speaks fluent Edo and Pidgin English and often incorporates both into his lyrics.
