Rema is a Nigerian singer, rapper, and songwriter who has become a big name in music. His real name is Divine Ikubor. He was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Nigeria. As of October 2025, he is 25 years old. Rema mixes Afrobeats with other styles like trap and pop. This mix has helped him reach fans around the world.
His song “Calm Down” from 2022 became a huge hit. The remix with Selena Gomez reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2023. This success showed how Afrobeats can go global. Rema calls his style Afrorave. It blends African rhythms with rave and electronic sounds.
In this article, we look at Rema’s life from his tough start in Benin City to his rise as a star. We cover his family, how he found music, his big breaks, albums, awards, personal side, and what might come next. Rema’s story shows hard work and talent can lead to big things. He inspires many young people in Nigeria and beyond.
Rema has worked with artists like Selena Gomez and Drake. His music has billions of streams. He has won awards and been nominated for Grammys. This biography aims to teach you about his path in a simple way.
Early Life
Rema grew up in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He came from a Christian family. His full name is Divine Ikubor. Life was hard for him as a child. In 2008, when he was eight, his father died. Soon after, his older brother also passed away. This left his mother to raise the family alone.
They lived in a low income area. Rema saw poverty every day. He went to Ighile Group of Schools in Benin City. His mother worked hard to support them. Rema has said in interviews that these losses made him grow up fast. By age 15, he felt he had to act like the man of the house.
For a short time, Rema moved to Ghana. He hoped to find better chances there. But he came back to Nigeria. His family background shaped his music. He often talks about his mother’s strength. After he became famous, he bought her a Lexus RX 350 car as a gift. Rema has siblings, but he keeps details private.
These early struggles taught Rema to be strong. They also fueled his drive to succeed in music. His roots in Benin City influence his songs. He reps “Benin Boys” in his work. This section shows how his past built his character.
Discovery of Music
Rema found music early in life. He started singing and rapping in church as a kid. At school, he performed with a friend named Alpha P. They rapped together. Rema was about 11 when he began making music in Benin City.
He learned a lot from watching YouTube videos. He taught himself how to rap and sing. Artists like Daft Punk inspired him with their electronic sounds. Rema mixed this with African beats.
In 2018, something big happened. Rema posted a freestyle video on Instagram. It was over a beat from D’Prince’s song “Gucci Gang.” The video went viral. People shared it a lot. This caught the eye of music producers in Lagos.
Rema’s passion for music grew from these small starts. He did gigs at church and school events. His viral moment opened doors. It led to his move to Lagos for a career.
Signing with Jonzing World
After his viral freestyle, D’Prince noticed Rema. D’Prince is a Nigerian producer and singer. He invited Rema to Lagos in 2019. Rema auditioned and impressed everyone.
He signed with Jonzing World that year. Jonzing World is D’Prince’s label. It works with Mavin Records, run by Don Jazzy. Don Jazzy helped shape Rema’s brand.
Under their guidance, Rema learned about the music business. They helped him record his first songs. This deal was a key step. It gave him access to studios and promotion.
Pros of signing with a label like this include:
- Good production help.
- Wider reach to fans.
- Mentorship from pros.
Cons might be:
- Less control over music.
- Sharing profits.
But for Rema, it worked well. He credits D’Prince and Don Jazzy for his start.
Breakthrough Hit
In 2019, Rema released his first EP called “Rema.” The song “Dumebi” from it became a big hit. It topped charts in Nigeria.
The music video for “Dumebi” got over 85 million views on YouTube by 2020. The track mixes trap beats with Afrobeats. Fans loved the catchy hook.
This success built his fanbase called “Ravers.” “Dumebi” put Rema on the map. It showed his unique sound.
Compared to other artists:
- Like Fireboy DML, Rema had quick chart success.
- His streams grew fast, similar to early Wizkid hits.
The EP had other songs like “Iron Man.” But “Dumebi” was the star. It marked his shift from local to national fame.
Global Explosions
Rema’s fame went worldwide in 2022 with “Calm Down.” The song came from his album “Rave & Roses.” It mixed Afrobeats with pop.
In 2023, a remix with Selena Gomez came out. It hit number 3 on Billboard Hot 100. This was big for Afrobeats.
Rema worked with others like Drake and Becky G. He also did “Wake Up” for the Black Panther: Wakanda Forever soundtrack in 2022.
His tours included Coachella in 2023. The remix strategy helped spread Afrobeats. It blended cultures.
Highlights of his global rise:
- Billions of streams.
- Tours in Europe and America.
- Features in big movies.
This phase made Rema a global star.
Discography Deep Dive
Rema’s music has grown over time. His first full album “Rave & Roses” came out in 2022. It reached number 81 on Billboard 200. Songs like “Soundgasm” and “Calm Down” are on it.
In 2024, he released “Heis.” This album shows a darker side. It has hip hop influences and Benin City vibes. Tracks include “Benin Boys” with Shallipopi.
Reviews say “Heis” is bold. It has spring loaded rhythms and provocations. Rema mixes Afrobeat with Indian and Arabic elements. He calls it Afrorave.
Track highlights from “Rave & Roses”:
- “Calm Down”: Love theme.
- “Soundgasm”: Sensual vibe.
From “Heis”:
- “Hehehe”: Cocky energy.
- “Ozeba”: Frenetic beats.
Production credits go to teams like London for “Heis.” His discography shows evolution from pop to raw sounds.
Awards and Accolades
Rema has won many awards. In 2019, he got Headies Next Rated. In 2022, he won MTV Europe Music Award for Best African Act.
He got BET Awards nods. In 2025, he won Afrobeats Album of the Year and Album of the Year at Headies for “Heis.”
For Grammys, he was nominated in 2025 for Best Global Music Album with “Heis.” He attended the 2025 Grammys red carpet.
Milestones include:
- First Nigerian to chart on Billboard Hot 100 top 5.
- TIME 100 Next list in 2025.
These honors show his impact on music.
Personal Life
Rema keeps his personal life private. He has no public girlfriend as of 2025. There are rumors, but he focuses on work.
He likes wine sometimes. Rema supports his family. He gives back to Edo State youth.
He talks about mental health after his losses. Rema has brand deals like Pepsi. He stays grounded despite fame.
Legacy and Future
Rema’s net worth is estimated at $12 million in 2025. This comes from streams, tours, and endorsements.
He influences young artists. Rema pioneered Afrorave. He helps push Afrobeats worldwide.
Future plans include new projects. He might tour more. Experts say he could lead music for years.
Breakdown of earnings:
- Streams: 40 percent.
- Tours: 30 percent.
- Endorsements: 30 percent.
Rema’s legacy is inspiring resilience.
Conclusion
Rema’s journey from Benin City to global stages is inspiring. He overcame losses and built a career with talent. His music blends styles and reaches many. As of 2025, he keeps growing. Rema’s story teaches that hard work pays off. He represents Nigeria well.
FAQs
What is Rema’s real name?
Divine Ikubor.
How old is Rema?
25 years old in 2025.
What is Rema’s record label?
Jonzing World, linked to Mavin Records.
How did Rema start his music career?
Through church and school performances, then a viral freestyle in 2018.
What is Rema’s net worth?
About $12 million in 2025.
Who is Rema’s girlfriend?
He keeps it private; no confirmed partner.