Rema Biography
Divine Joshua Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper. Born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, he holds Nigerian nationality. Rema has emerged as one of the most influential voices in Afrobeats, blending traditional African rhythms with global sounds to create what he calls “Afro-rave.” His music has crossed borders, earned billions of streams, and helped push Afrobeats onto the world stage. From viral freestyles in Benin City to sold-out international tours and major chart records, Rema’s rise shows the power of talent and determination.
In just a few years, Rema has gone from performing in local churches to collaborating with global stars like Selena Gomez and earning a Grammy nomination. His catchy melodies, energetic style, and cultural pride have won him fans across continents. As a young artist, he continues to evolve while staying rooted in his Nigerian heritage. This biography explores his journey from early challenges in Edo State to becoming a global music icon.
Rema Early Life and Background
Divine Joshua Ikubor was born on 1 May 2000 into a Christian family in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He comes from Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area. Life was not easy for the young Divine. He lost his father, Justice Ikubor, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, in 2008 when he was only eight years old. A few years later, his elder brother also passed away. These tragedies left Rema and his mother to face financial and emotional hardships. His mother became the family’s pillar, and Rema quickly took on responsibilities to help support them.
Despite the difficulties, music became Rema’s escape and passion. He started singing and rapping in church and during his school days. He formed a rap group with his friend Alpha P and performed locally. Growing up in Benin City shaped his sound and gave him a strong sense of cultural identity. These early experiences taught him resilience and creativity, qualities that later defined his career. Rema has often spoken about how these challenges made him mature faster and fueled his drive to succeed for his family.
Rema Education
Rema completed both his primary and secondary education in Benin City. He attended Ighile Group of Schools, where he discovered and developed his love for music while balancing schoolwork. Teachers and classmates remember him as a talented student who freestyled during breaks and performed at school events. After finishing secondary school and earning his Senior Secondary School Certificate, he gained admission to the University of Lagos in 2022 to pursue higher studies. However, he had to leave the university in 2023 because of the prolonged ASUU strike that affected many Nigerian students. Music had already become his full-time focus by then, so he chose to concentrate on his rising career instead of returning to campus.
Rema Career
Rema’s professional music journey began in 2018 when he posted a viral freestyle video on Instagram to D’Prince’s track “Gucci Gang.” The video caught the attention of D’Prince, who invited him to Lagos and signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records founded by music executive Don Jazzy. In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP, which quickly topped Apple Music charts in Nigeria. The standout track “Dumebi” became a massive hit, with its music video gaining millions of views and even appearing on former US President Barack Obama’s summer playlist.
He followed up with more EPs that same year, including Rema Freestyle and Bad Commando, showing his versatility in trap, Afrobeats, and hip-hop. In 2020, he dropped a compilation album and featured on the FIFA 21 soundtrack. Rema introduced the term “Afro-rave” in 2021 to describe his unique style that mixes Afrobeats with Arabian and Indian influences, house, dancehall, and hip-hop. This fresh sound helped him stand out and built a loyal fanbase called the “Ravers.”
His breakthrough came with the studio album Rave & Roses released on 25 March 2022. The 16-track project featured collaborations with artists like 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. The single “Calm Down” exploded globally, especially after the remix with Selena Gomez. It reached number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, spent weeks at the top of international charts, and became one of the biggest Afrobeats songs ever. The album’s deluxe edition, Rave & Roses Ultra, released in 2023, became the first African album to surpass two billion streams on Spotify.
In 2023, Rema released the EP Ravage and performed at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. On 11 July 2024, he dropped his second studio album, Heis, which draws from the Greek word for “number one.” The 11-track project, featuring Shallipopi and Odumodublvck, took a darker, drum-heavy direction while celebrating Edo culture and self-confidence. It debuted at number one on Nigeria’s TurnTable charts and earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. In 2025, Rema continued releasing hit singles such as “Baby (Is It a Crime),” which sampled Sade, and “Bout U,” both dominating Nigerian charts and streaming platforms. He became the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube that year.
Rema has released two studio albums, several EPs, and dozens of singles. Here is a bulletin list of his major projects and standout songs:
- Studio Albums: Rave & Roses (2022), Heis (2024)
- EPs: Rema (2019), Rema Freestyle (2019), Bad Commando (2019), Ravage (2023)
- Notable Singles and Hits: Dumebi (2019), Iron Man (2019), Soundgasm (2021), Calm Down (2022, remix with Selena Gomez), Benin Boys (with Shallipopi, 2024), Hehehe (2024), Baby (Is It a Crime) (2025), Bout U (2025)
These releases have earned multiple certifications in countries like the UK, US, France, and Nigeria. Rema’s tours, including the Rave & Roses World Tour, have taken him to major venues worldwide. He has also secured brand deals, such as becoming a Pepsi ambassador in 2021 alongside Ayra Starr. His career shows steady growth, innovation, and a commitment to representing Nigerian music on the global map.
Rema Personal Life
Rema keeps his personal life private and away from the spotlight. He remains close to his mother, who raised him after the loss of his father and brother. Family has always been important to him, and he often credits his mother for his success. In 2020, he publicly addressed the circumstances around his father’s death through social media. Rema has not publicly confirmed any romantic relationships or marriage. He has mentioned in interviews that he values style, confidence, and genuine connection in a partner more than financial status, but he prefers to focus on his music and career for now. He has no children and leads a relatively low-key life outside of performances and studio work.
Rema Net Worth
As of 2026, Rema’s net worth is estimated between $10 million and $20 million. This figure comes from his music streaming revenue, album sales, sold-out concerts, endorsement deals, and other business ventures. His global hits like “Calm Down” have generated substantial income through platforms such as Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Brand partnerships and international tours have further boosted his earnings. While exact numbers vary across sources, Rema is widely regarded as one of the wealthiest young artists in the Nigerian music industry. He uses his success to support his family and invest in his future projects.
Rema Achievements and Awards
Rema has collected numerous awards and recognitions. His debut EP topped Nigerian charts, and “Dumebi” gained international attention. He won Viewer’s Choice at the Headies in 2019 and Best New Artist at the Soundcity MVP Awards in 2020. The song “Calm Down” earned him the MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and the Billboard Music Award for Top Afrobeats Song. In 2022, he received an award for reaching one billion streams worldwide. He won Digital Artist of the Year at the 2023 Soundcity MVP Awards. His album Heis received a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album in 2025, marking a major milestone. Rema has also been named the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube in 2025. These honors highlight his impact on Afrobeats and his role in expanding African music globally.
Conclusion
Rema’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and cultural pride. From facing family losses in Benin City to topping global charts and earning a Grammy nod, he has become a symbol of the new wave of Afrobeats. His innovative “Afro-rave” sound continues to inspire young artists and bring Nigerian music to new audiences. As he evolves and takes on new challenges, Rema remains grounded in his roots while aiming higher. His journey encourages many to pursue their dreams despite obstacles. With a bright future ahead, Rema is not just a musician but a global ambassador for African creativity and excellence.
FAQs
What is Rema’s full name and date of birth?
Rema’s full name is Divine Joshua Ikubor. He was born on 1 May 2000.
Where was Rema born and what is his nationality?
He was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, and he is Nigerian.
What is Rema’s most famous song?
“Calm Down,” especially the remix with Selena Gomez, is his biggest global hit.
How many studio albums has Rema released?
Rema has released two studio albums: Rave & Roses (2022) and Heis (2024).
Has Rema won a Grammy award?
He has received a nomination for Best Global Music Album for Heis but has not yet won a Grammy.
What is Afro-rave?
Afro-rave is the term Rema coined for his music style, which blends Afrobeats with elements of house, hip-hop, dancehall, and other global sounds.
Is Rema married or in a relationship?
Rema keeps his personal life private and is not publicly married. He remains focused on his career.
What is Rema’s net worth in 2026?
Estimates place his net worth between $10 million and $20 million, driven by music, tours, and endorsements.