Rema claims his contribution to Afrobeats not being recognised

Popular singer, Rema has claimed that his contributions to Afrobeats are not receiving sufficient recognition.

In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema said his efforts have gone unrecognised because he has only been in the music industry for three years.

The singer said: “People just want you to strive so hard before they can give you your flowers.”

“I think the success came too quickly that some people wish I didn’t get it too quick.

 “You know when they want to give you respect but you have to be 10 years in the game, I feel like my career didn’t play according to those rules.

“And I was already breaking seven-year career records in just three years in the game. I already went international from my first EP.

“People have the mind frame of seeing you striving for 10 years. Why do I need to? There is something called grace though.”

The host asked Rema if he believes he should be included in conversations about the top three Afrobeats artistes (Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy).

The ‘Calm Down’ hitmaker responded by saying: “Respect to the OGs, but I am one of them”.

“My impact in Afrobeats has been huge. Something as little as major award shows creating an Afrobeats category because of the success of my song has already opened gates,” he added.

“It’s not just about hit songs, but the impact on the journey of Afrobeats to the world.

 “Must I be 30 years old to give me that flower? Times have changed.”

Born Divine Ikubor, Rema signed with D’Prince’s Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records, in 2019.

Rema’s hit song ‘Calm Down’, featuring Selena Gomez, won the first ‘Best Afrobeats’ category at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) in 2023.

Spotify also recognised him as one of the most exported artistes who dominated last year’s charts in sub-Saharan Africa.

Rema’s sophomore album ‘He Is‘ set the record for the biggest first-week streams on Spotify Nigeria in 2024.

The 24-year-old singer had previously declared that he is officially on par with ‘Afrobeats Big 3’.

Rema also claimed “I did not know Wizkid, Davido and Burna Boy five years ago”, adding that he saw no reason to prioritise them.