Rema has opened up about his humble beginnings, revealing that he grew up in poverty before becoming a millionaire at the age of 20. The Afrobeats superstar reflected on a journey that took him from hardship in Benin City to global fame.
From hardship to history
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, said his early years were marked by financial struggle and loss. He framed his rapid rise as proof that difficult beginnings need not define a person’s future, crediting faith, talent and persistence for the turnaround.
Becoming a millionaire at 20, he suggested, was both a personal triumph and a responsibility, a reminder of how far he had come and of the people still counting on him back home.
The making of a global star
Rema broke through in 2019 after signing to Jonzing World and Mavin Records, with early hits like “Dumebi” announcing a fresh, genre-blending sound. His distinctive style quickly set him apart in a crowded Afrobeats scene.
His 2022 single “Calm Down” then changed everything. The track, and its remix with Selena Gomez, became one of the most successful Afrobeats songs ever, charting around the world and introducing Rema to a vast new audience.
Carrying Benin City with him
Throughout his rise, Rema has leaned into his roots, weaving the imagery and pride of Benin into his music and visuals. His reflections on poverty fit a wider story he often tells, of an artist shaped by where he comes from.
That authenticity has helped him connect with young Nigerians who see their own dreams in his journey. For many fans, his testimony is motivation as much as celebrity news.
A message of hope
Rema’s account lands as a note of encouragement in tough economic times. His point is simple but powerful: talent and determination can lift a person out of even the hardest circumstances.
As he continues to headline global stages, Rema remains a symbol of how far Nigerian music, and the young people behind it, can travel.
