The Rema Phenomenon: How the Nigerian Artist Conquered Rolling Stone and Set Historic Records
Rema continues to write the history of afrobeats. After a series of international successes, the Nigerian artist has become the first Black African musician to grace the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. This new achievement further strengthens his status as a global icon and highlights the growing impact of African music on the international stage. Here’s a look at his meteoric rise and his impressive records.
Rema’s Meteoric Rise
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has established himself as one of the most influential artists of the new generation of afrobeats. He first gained recognition in 2019 with his hit "Dumebi", quickly winning over audiences with his unique style and infectious energy. With hits like "Calm Down", which exploded on streaming platforms, Rema has positioned himself as an essential figure in global music.
His influence extends beyond Nigeria, attracting the attention of international stars and major record labels. In 2023, he made history by becoming the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d'Or ceremony in Paris.
A Historic Achievement on Rolling Stone
The announcement of Rema on the cover of Rolling Stone is a landmark event. The magazine, a staple in the music industry, rarely features African artists on its main cover. This recognition confirms the growing significance of afrobeats in the global music industry and places Rema alongside the biggest pop and hip-hop stars.
In addition to the cover, Rema was also invited to perform at Rolling Stone's "Future of Music" event in Texas, further cementing his place in the international music scene
Records and Global Influence
Rema is breaking impressive records. His single "Calm Down", featuring Selena Gomez, became the most-streamed afrobeats song in history, surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify. This success earned him a Guinness World Record, a first for a Nigerian artist.
On YouTube, the "Calm Down" video has surpassed 900 million views, while the song has dominated global charts, reaching the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and staying at the top of the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs Chart for over a year.
Rema is thus part of a wave of African artists pushing the boundaries of local music to become global icons. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido have paved the way, and Rema seems determined to go even further.
With his historic cover on Rolling Stone, impressive records, and growing influence, Rema is redefining the future of afrobeats. His success is a testament to the rise of African music on the global stage. As new projects loom on the horizon, one question remains: how far will he go?
- AMG Records
