Nigerian superstar Rema has revealed that his second album HEIS was driven by a desire to break away from the norm and challenge expectations in the music industry.
Following the global success of his hit single “Calm Down,” which became Afrobeats’ first song to hit 1 billion streams on Spotify, Rema took a bold step with HEIS, a project that highlights his uniqueness and refusal to conform to mainstream trends.
In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema shared that the album was inspired by his desire to defy consumer expectations and create something different from what dominates Nigerian pop music.
“I like the way I moved on to my new project. I don’t like to move the way people expect. I don’t like to move with the rules,” Rema explained. The singer’s sophomore album features an energetic production style and breathless delivery that sets it apart from the current Afrobeats sound.
During his London listening party, Rema also mentioned that HEIS was his effort to create Afrobeats that’s difficult for outsiders to replicate, unlike some other artists who simplify the sound, making it easier for foreign artists to imitate.
In the Breakfast Club interview, Rema also opened up about his journey into music, sharing that it took time for his mother to fully embrace his decision to pursue a career in the industry.
Watch Rema’s full interview on The Breakfast Club below.
