Divine Ikubor (born May 1, 2000) Is a highly talented and exceptionally young Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper, widely known by his stage name, Rema.
His meteoric rise to fame began when he was introduced to the music industry by D’Prince, who subsequently signed him to his record label, Jonzing World Entertainment, which operates as a subsidiary of Mavin Records, a prominent music company in Nigeria.
Rema has not only achieved remarkable success but has also garnered multiple awards for his exceptional talent. His contributions to the music industry have earned him a prestigious spot in the official Guinness World Records.
Facts
- Full Name: Divine Ikubor
- Other Name: Rema
- Born: May 01, 2000 ([calculate_years datestring=”05/20/2000″])
- Place of Birth: Benin, Nigeria
- Career: Singer• Rapper • Songwriter
- Net Worth: US$3-5 million
- Record Label: Jonzing World Entertainment • Mavin Records
- Height: 5ft8 (173cm)
Early Life
Rema was born into the Ikubor family in the South-south region of Nigeria. Growing up in Edo state, Rema’s passion for music developed at a young age, and he dedicated himself to nurturing his singing abilities.
During his school years, Rema became renowned for his captivating trap-rap freestyle performances, entertaining his classmates and showcasing his exceptional talent. His classmates were consistently amazed by his ability to deliver captivating verses with his unique style and delivery effortlessly. Rema’s music resonated with his peers, who were drawn to his infectious energy, charismatic presence, and catchy lyrics.
Word quickly spread about Rema’s musical prowess, and he soon became a beloved figure within his community. The support and admiration he received from his classmates further fueled his ambition to pursue a music career. Rema’s dedication to his craft and ability to connect with his audience personally set him apart as an artist with tremendous potential.
Education
Rema’s educational journey began in Benin City, where he attended one of the top schools in the area for his primary and secondary education and where he also laid the foundation for his academic pursuits and artistic development.
After completing his secondary education, Rema obtained his Secondary School Certificate (SSCE) from Ighile Groups of Schools in Edo state. This educational milestone gave him a strong academic background and set the stage for future endeavors.
In 2021, Rema achieved another significant milestone when he gained admission to the University of Lagos. He enrolled in the university to pursue a degree in Creative Arts, a field that aligns perfectly with his passion for music and artistic expression. This decision to further his education demonstrates Rema’s commitment to honing his craft and expanding his knowledge in the creative realm.
Unfortunately, Rema’s pursuit of a degree in Creative Arts at the University of Lagos was met with unforeseen challenges. The education system in Nigeria was plagued by prolonged strikes, causing significant disruptions to academic schedules and creating an environment of uncertainty.
Faced with the frustrating and prolonged strikes, Rema had to make a difficult decision. Determined to focus on his budding music career and capitalize on the opportunities presented, he decided to drop out of university. This decision was driven by his desire to fully commit to his passion for music and take advantage of the momentum he built in the industry.
Career
Rema’s musical journey commenced during his secondary school years and continues to evolve as he explores new horizons. Instead of immediately pursuing tertiary education after high school, Rema opted to invest time in refining his skills and developing his musical abilities.
During this period, Rema gained recognition by dropping impressive short freestyles and delivering captivating covers of popular songs. His freestyles showcased his exceptional talent and distinctive style, garnering attention from listeners.
Growing up, Rema formed a close bond with his musical partner Alpha-P. They shared a passion for music and often sang together, drawing comparisons due to their strikingly similar voices. As a duo, they established themselves as “RNA” (Rema and Alpha-P) and performed at various events and competitions.
Their performance at the “Dream Alive Talent Show” caught the attention of Peak Entertainment, a music industry stakeholder interested in the duo. Subsequently, Rema and Alpha P were signed to the label, marking a significant milestone in their career.
Under Peak Entertainment, Rema and Alpha-P released their first official recording titled “Mercy.” Their collaboration opened doors for them, granting them opportunities to perform on prominent stages alongside renowned Nigerian artists.
During a show attended by industry figures, D’Prince of Jonzing World Entertainment took notice of Rema’s talent and invited him for a meeting. Impressed by Rema’s potential, D’Prince offered him a record deal. After accepting and signing the necessary documents, Rema officially became a signee under Jonzing World Records, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by Don Jazzy.
In 2019, Rema made a significant impact with his self-titled debut EP, “REMA.” The EP featured hit tracks such as “Why,” “Corny,” “Dumebi,” and “Iron Man.” It soared to the top of the Apple Music charts in Nigeria, further solidifying Rema’s rising status. The music video for “Dumebi” was shot by Ademola Falomo in collaboration with Mavin Records and included a cameo appearance by Diana Eneje.
The same year, Rema released his sophomore project, “Bad Commando.” This EP included popular tracks like “Bad Commando,” “Rewind,” “Boulevard,” “American Love,” and “Spiderman.” The EP’s success propelled Rema to greater heights, earning him widespread recognition and an expanding fan base.
In 2019, Rema won the Next Rated Artist category at the Headies Awards, triumphing over fellow nominees Joeboy and Fireboy. This achievement solidified his position as one of the most promising acts in the Nigerian music industry.
Rema continued to make waves in 2021 with a series of hit singles, including “Beamer (Bad Boys),” “Woman,” “Rainbow,” “Fame,” “Ginger Me,” “Peace of Mind,” and “Alien.” His music garnered international acclaim, leading to his nomination for Best Viewers Choice: International Act at the 2020 BET Awards alongside Nigerian icons Wizkid and Burna Boy.
In September 2021, Rema was announced as a brand ambassador for Pepsi, joining forces with his fellow artist AyraStar in Mavin Records.
March 2022 marked the release of Rema’s 16-track album “Rave & Rose.” This 16-track project featured collaborations with notable international acts such as Chris Brown, 6lack, Yseult, and AJ Tracey. Following its debut week, the album charted ten songs on the US Billboard Afrobeats Chart.
Rema’s single “Calm Down” off the album gained significant popularity, eventually leading to the release of a remix featuring Selena Gomez, a prominent American Female singer, on August 26, 2022.
In April 2023, Rema delighted his fans by releasing an Ultra version of his previous album. This updated edition included additional hit songs such as “Charm,” “Hov,” and a special version of “Calm Down” featuring the talented Selena Gomez. The Ultra version of the album showcased Rema’s continued artistic growth and his ability to captivate listeners with his dynamic sound.
Following the release of his album, Rema embarked on a series of international tours, thrilling audiences around the world. His performances were met with immense enthusiasm, and he left a lasting impact in various countries, including India. Rema’s concerts were met with sold-out crowds and rave reviews, further expanding his global popularity and solidifying his status as a sought-after artist.
Discography
- Dumebi
- Iron Man
- Beamer (Bad Boys)
- Woman
- Ginger Me
- Corny
- Lady
- Soundgasm
- Peace of Mind
- Bad Commando
- Why
- Alien
- Bounce
- Ravers Tune (ft. Young Jonn & Bluenax)
- Up Front (ft. Drake)
- Hov
- New Wave
- Fame
- Spaceship Jocelyn
- American Love
Personal Life
Rema has faced personal challenges and experienced significant losses in his life. In 2008, he tragically lost his father in Benin. His father’s passing was reported, and he was found deceased at Bins Hotel in Benin.
In September 2020, Rema took to Twitter and made a statement accusing a former People Democratic Party chieftain of his father’s death. This tweet shed light on his feelings and the circumstances surrounding his father’s passing.
Currently, Rema is single and does not have any children. He has not publicly flaunted any romantic relationships on his social media accounts. The young artist has chosen to prioritize his music career and focus on his musical endeavours.
Rumours were circulating about a romantic relationship between Rema and Diana Eneje, although he neither confirmed nor denied the speculation. Rema mentioned that he values his privacy and prefers to keep his personal life separate from his public persona.
Rema is the first male child in his family and has an elder sister named Ani. However, he rarely mentions her in public. Additionally, Rema had an elder brother who passed away when he was at a young age, signifying another tragic loss in his life.
Interestingly, Rema discovered a fan who closely resembles him and is often referred to as his “twin sister.” This fan goes by the name Remitta, but it’s important to note that they are unrelated biologically. The resemblance between Rema and Remitta has sparked interest among their fans and supporters.
Social Media
Net Worth
Rema has achieved remarkable success in his music career and has established himself as one of the highest-earning artists among his contemporaries. With his immense popularity and numerous successful projects, his estimated net worth ranges between US$3 million to US$5 million.
Through his chart-topping hits, international performances, endorsement deals, and brand partnerships, Rema has been able to build substantial wealth. His talent, hard work, and entrepreneurial ventures have contributed to his financial success in the music industry.
