Afrobeats sensation Rema has addressed the impact of persistent online rumors linking him to the Illuminati, devil worship, and other unfounded conspiracy theories.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, the Mavin Records star expressed his frustration over these false claims, revealing that they have cost him some of his fanbase as people blindly believe what they see online.
“Random stories have been made up about me being Illuminati, worshipping the devil, and drinking blood. I definitely lose some fans who just believe anything they see,” Rema shared.
Beyond addressing the rumors, Rema opened up about the sentimental significance of the pendants he wears, explaining that they are tributes to his late father and brother. He wears them as a constant reminder of his humble beginnings, keeping him grounded amidst the distractions of fame.
“It was just a dark moment that changed my life, so I always wear this chain—mostly because I never want to forget. While any craziness or any fantastic sh*t is happening, I always remind myself, ‘Know the struggles you came from,’ because, for real, people be forgetting,” he said.
The ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker also spoke about the challenges facing Nigeria, expressing concern over the growing sense of hopelessness among Nigerians. Despite the widespread frustration, Rema remains optimistic and committed to making a positive impact.
“A lot of people are giving up in Nigeria. A lot of people are angry at Nigeria. But I keep hope. There’s not a lot of people who would carry Afrobeats like this so much, carry culture,” he said.
“It makes me look like a blabber. It makes me look like I talk too much, or care too much, or I’m trying to be a f***ing messiah. I don’t want to do much. I just want to do what I need to do.”
Despite the setbacks, Rema remains focused on his music and legacy, continuing to push Afrobeats onto the global stage while staying true to his values.
