Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, recently claimed that the influx of new Afrobeats artists emerging since 2019 has followed a path he set. Speaking during an interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema noted that his introduction of debuting with an extended play (EP) became the model for new Afrobeats musicians.
“When I came into the game, I brought a template. The way new artists come and dominate, mine was different. I started the EP trend. Every [new Afrobeats] artist since 2019 walked on that path like when you come out, you popped out with an EP,” Rema remarked.
He went further to state that, while he prefers to let others credit him for his innovations in the genre, he sometimes feels the need to voice it himself.
“A lot of people would argue [my innovation in Afrobeats]… Sometimes, people don’t like young people applauding themselves… Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself.”
Rema’s statements underline his confidence in his influence on the contemporary Afrobeats scene, particularly in pioneering trends that have now become mainstream for up-and-coming artists.
