Rema, one of the leading voices in the global Afrobeats movement, has opened up about the perceived competition with Afrobeats giants Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. In a recent interview with GRM Daily, promoting his sophomore album ‘HEIS,’ Rema discussed his approach to competing with the Big 3 while steering clear of any bad blood.
Rema made it clear that he doesn’t let the opinions of his peers affect him, stating, “Five years ago, I didn’t know these guys. So why would they be my priority?” His focus remains on his own journey, not on impressing others.
He compared the competitive nature of the music industry to sports, emphasizing that the drive to claim the top spot is all part of the game. “When I put it in terms of lyricism, I always want to keep the sport going… We keep it the Ronaldo way, we keep it the LeBron way. When we’re in the match, it’s war. Outside of the match, it’s love,” Rema explained.
Rema also touched on the inspiration behind ‘HEIS,’ revealing his intent to create Afrobeats music that’s challenging for foreigners to replicate. He expressed concern over what he sees as the dilution of the genre by those leading its global exportation.
Recently, Rema made headlines for his performance at the Ambani wedding in India, where he was rumored to have earned $3 million. While he neither confirmed nor denied the figure in the interview, Rema did express his deep appreciation for the love and support he has received from Indian fans, noting that they have embraced his music even more than his Nigerian audience.
You can watch Rema’s full interview with GRM Daily below.
