Rema, born Divine Ikubor on May 1st, 2000, in Benin City, is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and global music sensation. Raised in a Christian household, Rema discovered his passion for music while attending Ighile Group of Schools and singing in choir. During his secondary school years, he began rapping and singing, an interest that grew even stronger after the tragic loss of his father and elder brother. His mother played a significant role in raising him and shaping his life. To support his mother and family, Rema hustled to perform music anywhere he could get his hands on a mic, entering competitions, open-mics, political rallies, parties and events. Rema’s breakthrough came in 2018 when he uploaded a freestyle video to an instrumental of D'Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram. The video caught the attention of D'Prince, leading to a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, and the beginning of his musical career. In 2019, Rema gained widespread recognition with the release of his self-titled debut EP, Rema. His breakout single, "Dumebi," from this EP, became a massive hit, showcasing his unique voice and style. The music video for "Dumebi" garnered millions of views, and the song's popularity expanded internationally. That same year, Rema's track "Iron Man" was included on former U.S. President Barack Obama's Summer Playlist, increasing his global visibility. Later that year, Rema was also featured on the FIFA 21 official soundtrack, further solidifying his growing influence. In 2021, Rema introduced his genre, Afrorave, which blends Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences, creating a distinct sound that resonated with fans. Although South African artist Toya Delazy is credited with coining the term Afrorave, Rema’s adoption of the genre helped cement its place in the global music landscape. His musical style quickly gained a devoted following, known as the "Ravers." Rema’s debut studio album, Rave & Roses, was released on March 25, 2022, under Jonzing World. The album featured collaborations with artists like 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. It was a commercial success, charting on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, with the track "Calm Down" achieving massive international recognition. The song’s remix with American singer Selena Gomez peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and made history as the highest-charting African song on the U.S. charts. "Calm Down" also topped the Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for a record-setting 58 weeks. Rema’s success was further celebrated with multiple awards, including an MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and a Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song; the music video currently has over 1 billion views on YouTube. In 2023, Rema’s Rave & Roses album was recognized for surpassing two billion streams on Spotify, making it the first African album to do so. Following the success of Rave & Roses, Rema released the Rave & Roses Ultra deluxe edition in April 2023 and the Ravage EP in October 2023. He also performed at the Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris in late 2023, cementing his place as a global music figure. His second album, HEIS, was released on July 11, 2024. The album features tracks like "Benin Boys" (with Shallipopi) and "War Machine" (with ODUMODUBLVCK), and it has received critical acclaim for its innovative sound. The album's title, HEIS, is derived from the Greek word for “numeral 1,” symbolizing Rema’s rise to the top of the global music scene. Rema's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards for HEIS, earning him his first career Grammy nomination. Additionally, he won the Digital Artist of the Year award at the Soundcity MVP Awards in 2023. Rema’s success continues to break barriers, as he is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in the rise of Afrobeats on the global stage. On a personal note, Rema has faced challenges, including the tragic loss of his father, Justice Ikubor, who was a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Rema has publicly accused the PDP of being involved in his father's death. He also briefly attended the University of Lagos in 2022 but was forced to leave in 2023 due to an ongoing strike by the ASUU (Academic Staff Union of Universities). Rema's impact on the global music scene is undeniable. As Rolling Stone put it, "Rema has undoubtedly and proudly become an emblem of Afrobeats' global rise." Critics from Business Day, The Guardian Nigeria, and The Native have all praised Rema for expanding the reach of African music and setting new standards for the genre. His innovative sound, captivating performances, and dedication to breaking new ground have made him a true trailblazer in modern music.