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Rema is a Nigerian singer, songwriter and rapper best known for the worldwide smash “Calm Down,” whose Selena Gomez remix made him one of Afrobeats’ biggest global exports. Born Divine Ikubor in Benin City, he rose from a viral Instagram freestyle to a Grammy-nominated artist still in his early twenties.
Key Facts
- Real name: Divine Ikubor, born 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State.
- “Calm Down” and its Selena Gomez remix peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
- Signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records.
- His 2024 album “Heis” earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album.
| Profile Snapshot | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Divine Ikubor |
| Stage Name | Rema |
| Date of Birth | 2000-05-01 |
| Age | 26 |
| Place of Birth | Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | 🇳🇬 Nigerian |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter, rapper |
| Years Active | 2018 – present |
| Genre | Afrobeats, Afro-rave, R&B |
| Labels | Jonzing World, Mavin Records, Interscope |
| Debut Album | Rave & Roses (2022) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $12–$15 million (as of 2026, reported) |
Who Is Rema? Early Life and Background
Rema was born Divine Ikubor on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a Christian home and began singing and rapping during his secondary school years.
His childhood was marked by loss. He lost his father and an elder brother within a short period, and was raised largely by his mother. He has often spoken about those early hardships shaping his drive.
Music became both an outlet and an ambition. By his late teens he was writing and recording his own material, blending melody, rap cadence and a distinctive high-pitched delivery.
How Rema Was Discovered
Rema’s breakthrough began online. He posted a freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” on Instagram, and the clip caught the attention of D’Prince, brother of Mavin Records boss Don Jazzy.
D’Prince brought the teenager to Lagos and signed him to Jonzing World, a label operating under the Mavin umbrella. It was a fast track from unknown talent to a major-label roster.
In 2019 he released his self-titled debut EP. The single “Dumebi” became his first breakout hit, and his fresh, genre-blurring sound quickly set him apart from the Afropop mainstream.
The Rise of Rema and “Calm Down”
Rema released his debut studio album, “Rave & Roses,” in March 2022. The project carried a song that would change his career and Afrobeats history: “Calm Down.”
A remix featuring American star Selena Gomez sent the track into orbit. It peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent a record-breaking run on US pop and Afrobeats charts, and crossed one billion views on YouTube.
The song made Rema a fixture on global playlists and radio, and it remains one of the most commercially successful Afrobeats records ever released.
Major Albums and Hit Songs
Beyond “Calm Down,” Rema’s catalogue includes “Dumebi,” “Soundgasm,” “Ozeba,” “Benin Boys” (with Shallipopi) and a string of EP cuts that built his early following.
In July 2024 he released his second studio album, “Heis,” a darker, harder “afro-rave” record that leaned into his Benin heritage and experimental edge. It earned widespread critical praise.
“Heis” went on to receive a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album, underlining Rema’s standing as more than a one-hit crossover act.
Rema’s Awards and Achievements
Rema has collected major nominations and wins across his career. He earned a Grammy nomination for “Heis,” an MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats, and a Billboard Music Award recognising the global reach of “Calm Down.”
He has also been celebrated at home through the Headies and Soundcity MVP Awards, and has headlined sold-out shows abroad, including a landmark concert at London’s O2 Arena.
Musical Style and Influence
Rema describes his sound as “afro-rave,” a blend of Afrobeats with trap, Indian and Arabian influences, pop melody and rap energy. The mix gives his music a restless, futuristic feel.
As one of the youngest Nigerian artists to achieve global chart success, he has become a template for a new generation chasing international crossover without abandoning their roots.
Personal Life and Philanthropy
Rema keeps much of his private life away from the spotlight, preferring to let his music and visuals do the talking. He has often credited his faith and his mother for keeping him grounded through fame.
The early loss of his father and brother shaped his outlook, and he frequently speaks about resilience and self-belief in interviews. Pride in his Benin and Edo heritage runs through both his image and his art.
Despite his global success, he has stayed connected to the young Nigerian fans who first championed him online, and his rise is regularly held up as proof of what social media can do for raw, undiscovered talent.
Rema’s Net Worth
As of 2026, Rema’s net worth is reportedly estimated between $12 million and $15 million, with $15 million the figure most outlets cite. Exact numbers are not officially confirmed and vary by source.
His earnings are widely understood to come from streaming, global touring, record sales, brand endorsements and his major-label deals. His income has grown sharply since the success of “Calm Down.”
From a phone freestyle in Benin City to the Billboard top five, Rema rewired what a young Afrobeats star could become.
— Viorah TV
Controversies
During his 2023–2024 “Heis” and “Ravage” era, some fans and online commentators accused Rema of using satanic or demonic imagery in his visuals and stage shows, pointing to a mask, gothic staging and an artificial bat. Rema rejected the interpretation, saying the imagery was artistic and a tribute to Benin Kingdom heritage, including the Queen Idia bronze. The debate remains a matter of opinion and is reported here only as public record, with Viorah TV taking no position.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rema’s real name?
His real name is Divine Ikubor.
When and where was Rema born?
He was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
What is Rema best known for?
He is best known for “Calm Down” and its Selena Gomez remix, plus hits like “Dumebi” and the Grammy-nominated album “Heis.”
Which record label is Rema signed to?
He is signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records, with international releases via Interscope.
What is Rema’s net worth?
His net worth is estimated at around $12–$15 million, though exact figures are unconfirmed and vary by source.
Conclusion
Still early in his twenties, Rema has already delivered one of the biggest Afrobeats songs in history and a Grammy-nominated album. With a sound he calls afro-rave and a relentless appetite for reinvention, he is one of the defining young artists of the global Afrobeats era — and his story is far from finished.
