Rema recently addressed the topic of competing with Afrobeats heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy during an interview with GRM Daily, promoting his sophomore album, HEIS. Despite his rapid rise to fame and success, Rema made it clear that he doesn’t prioritize impressing his colleagues in the industry.
He stated, “Five years ago, I didn’t know these guys (my colleagues). So why would they be my priority?” This highlights his focus on his own journey rather than being concerned with what others think of him.
Rema also touched on the competitive nature of the music industry, comparing it to sports. He emphasized that while there may be intense rivalry on the stage, it doesn’t translate to animosity offstage. “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 are in the match, it’s war. Outside of the match, it’s love.”
Regarding his album HEIS, Rema shared that his goal was to create Afrobeats music that is challenging for foreigners to replicate. He expressed concern over what he perceives as the “dumbing down” of Afrobeats by some artists leading its global expansion, and he aimed to maintain the genre’s authenticity with his work.
Rema recently performed at the high-profile Ambani wedding in India, where he was rumored to have been paid $3 million. When asked about this in the interview, Rema neither confirmed nor denied the claim but instead expressed 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.