Divine Joshua Ikubor Biography
Divine Joshua Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper who has emerged as one of the most influential voices in global Afrobeats. Born on 1 May 2000, he rose to prominence in 2019 with his breakout hit “Dumebi” and has since built an international career marked by innovative sounds, major collaborations, and record-breaking achievements.
Rema blends Afrobeats with trap, pop, and other global influences to create his signature “Afrorave” style. His music resonates with themes of youth, resilience, and cultural pride. With hits like the Selena Gomez remix of “Calm Down,” he has helped push Afrobeats onto the world stage, earning chart success, streaming milestones, and a dedicated global fanbase known as the Ravers.
Early Life and Background of Divine Ikubor
Divine Joshua Ikubor was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, into a Christian family. He hails from Igbanke in Orhionmwon Local Government Area of Edo State. His early years were shaped by both musical exposure and personal challenges.
Rema grew up singing and rapping. He started performing in church and school environments. Tragedy struck when his father, Justice Ikubor, a former PDP chieftain, passed away in 2008. His elder brother died in 2015. These losses left young Divine to support his mother and siblings, motivating him to pursue music seriously as a path to success and stability.
He attended Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State for primary and secondary education. There, he developed his passion for music, experimenting with singing and rapping. Growing up in Benin City rather than a major entertainment hub like Lagos gave him a unique perspective. He often references his roots and the drive to put Edo State on the map.
These formative experiences of loss, faith, and ambition influenced his lyrical themes of resilience, self-made success, and cultural identity. Rema has spoken about feeling a sense of destiny after his family’s hardships, pushing him to create music that connects deeply with listeners facing similar struggles.
Education of Divine Ikubor
Divine Ikubor completed his primary and secondary education at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. Music remained a central part of his school life, where he honed his skills alongside academics.
In January 2022, he gained admission to the University of Lagos to study, fulfilling his late mother’s wish for him to pursue higher education. However, he had to pause his studies in 2023 due to the prolonged ASUU strike affecting Nigerian universities. He has balanced his rising music career with educational goals, showing commitment to personal development beyond entertainment.
Career of Divine Ikubor
Divine Ikubor began his professional journey performing in churches with collaborator Alpha P. His big break came in 2018 when he posted a viral Instagram freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang.” The clip caught the attention of D’Prince, who flew him to Lagos and signed him to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
In 2019, Rema released his self-titled debut EP Rema, which topped Apple Music Nigeria charts. The lead single “Dumebi” became a massive hit, with its music video gaining millions of views and featuring a cameo from Diana Eneje. The song’s success led to inclusion on Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist, marking early international recognition.
He followed with other EPs like Bad Commando (2019) and built momentum with tracks like “Iron Man” and “Beamer (Bad Boys).” Rema coined and popularized “Afrorave” as his sound, fusing Afrobeats with elements of trap, house, dancehall, and global influences.
Rise to Global Fame
The year 2022 proved transformative. Rema released his debut studio album Rave & Roses on 25 March. It featured collaborations with artists like 6lack, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. The album debuted strongly, with multiple tracks charting on Billboard’s Afrobeats chart.
The standout single “Calm Down” exploded globally after a remix with Selena Gomez. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, led the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for a record 58 weeks, and achieved multi-platinum status in several countries. The song became one of the most streamed African tracks ever, crossing billions of streams.
In 2023, he released the deluxe edition Rave & Roses Ultra, which became the first African album to surpass two billion streams on Spotify. He also dropped the Ravage EP and performed at prestigious events like the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris.
Recent Projects and Evolution
In 2024, Divine Ikubor released his second studio album Heis on 11 July. The 11-track project, titled after the Greek word for “number one,” features a darker, drum-heavy Afrorave sound with references to Edo culture. Guests include Shallipopi on “Benin Boys” and Odumodublvck. Despite some initial controversy over imagery, Heis topped Nigerian charts and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album.
In 2025, he continued releasing successful singles like “Baby (Is It a Crime),” sampling Sade, and others that maintained his chart dominance. Rema has performed on major world tours, including the Rave & Roses World Tour, solidifying his status as a live performer.
As a Mavin Records artist, Rema has collaborated with label mates and international stars. His brand ambassadorships, including with Pepsi, reflect his commercial appeal.
Songs and Albums of Divine Ikubor
Divine Ikubor has released two studio albums, several EPs, and numerous hit singles. His discography highlights his evolution from local sensation to global star.
Notable Albums and EPs:
- Rema (EP, 2019) – Debut project featuring “Dumebi.”
- Bad Commando (EP, 2019)
- Rave & Roses (2022) – Debut studio album.
- Rave & Roses Ultra (2023) – Deluxe edition with massive streaming success.
- Ravage (EP, 2023)
- Heis (2024) – Second studio album, Grammy-nominated.
Popular Songs include “Dumebi,” “Calm Down” (with and without Selena Gomez), “Soundgasm,” “Charm,” “Iron Man,” “Benin Boys” (with Shallipopi), “Baby (Is It a Crime),” “Hehehe,” and many more. These tracks showcase his melodic flow, catchy hooks, and genre-blending style.
His music videos and live performances emphasize vibrant visuals and high energy, contributing to his strong YouTube and streaming presence.
Achievements of Divine Ikubor
Divine Ikubor has accumulated numerous awards and accolades. He has won multiple Headies Awards, including Next Rated in 2019. Internationally, he secured an MTV Video Music Award for Best Afrobeats Video and Billboard Music Awards for Top Afrobeats Song.
Heis earned him his first Grammy nomination for Best Global Music Album. “Calm Down” broke streaming and chart records, including the longest run at number one on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He became the first Nigerian artist with certain global milestones and has won awards across continents.
Rema’s impact extends to inspiring a new generation of African artists and expanding Afrobeats’ reach. Recognitions include features on prestigious playlists and performances at major international events.
Personal Life of Divine Ikubor
Divine Ikubor keeps his personal life relatively private. He remains close to his mother, Mrs. Ikubor, and has supported his family following the losses of his father and brother. In 2020, he publicly addressed circumstances surrounding his father’s death.
He has not publicly confirmed any long-term romantic relationships, stating in interviews that he prefers to keep such matters low-key to avoid external pressures. Rumors have linked him to various personalities, but he focuses primarily on his career and family.
Rema values loyalty and style in potential partners and maintains a grounded approach despite fame. He continues to draw inspiration from his Benin City roots.
Conclusion
Divine Joshua Ikubor, known worldwide as Rema, represents the new wave of African musical excellence. From humble beginnings in Benin City to global stages, his journey embodies talent, resilience, and cultural innovation. Through Afrorave and hits that transcend borders, he has elevated Nigerian music and inspired countless fans. As he continues to evolve, Rema’s legacy as a trailblazer in Afrobeats seems assured, with more milestones likely ahead.
FAQs
What is Divine Ikubor’s real name and stage name?
Divine Joshua Ikubor is his full name, and he performs as Rema.
When and where was Divine Ikubor born?
He was born on 1 May 2000 in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria.
What genre of music does Rema primarily make?
Rema is known for Afrobeats and his self-coined Afrorave style, blending various influences.
What is Rema’s most famous song?
“Calm Down,” especially the remix with Selena Gomez, stands as his biggest international hit.
Has Divine Ikubor won a Grammy?
As of the latest information, he has received a nomination for Best Global Music Album for Heis but is yet to win.
Who is Rema signed to?
He is signed to Jonzing World and Mavin Records, with distribution through Interscope.
What challenges did Rema face in his early life?
He lost his father and elder brother at a young age, which shaped his drive and sense of responsibility.