Meet Rema and Olamide: Nigeria’s Top Artists

Paul | January 25, 2024 | Nigeria | No Comments

Rema is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper, born in Benin City, Edo State, into a Christian family that supported his musical inclinations. Despite relative obscurity before 2018, Rema gained recognition after posting a freestyle video to D’Prince’s track “Gucci Gang.” Impressed by the video, D’Prince signed Rema to Jonzing World, a record label he founded and is affiliated with Mavin Records.

Rema’s breakthrough came with the release of his hit single “Iron Man,” which garnered widespread attention and even found a spot on Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist. This success marked the beginning of Rema’s rise in the Nigerian music scene.

Rise to Fame

In March 2019, Rema released his debut self-titled EP, “Rema,” which included hit singles like “Dumebi” and “Iron Man.” “Dumebi” became an instant hit, dominating the charts in Nigeria and gaining substantial airplay internationally. The song’s infectious beat and catchy melody helped Rema establish himself as one of the leading voices in the new wave of Afrobeat music.

Musical Style and Influence

Rema’s music is characterized by its fusion of Afrobeat rhythms with elements of trap, pop, and R&B. His versatile vocal delivery, combined with innovative production, sets him apart in the crowded Nigerian music industry. He cites various influences, including Nigerian legends Fela Kuti and Wizkid, as well as international artists like Drake and Kendrick Lamar.

Achievements

Rema has received numerous awards and nominations, reflecting his impact on the music industry. In 2019, he won the Next Rated award at The Headies, one of Nigeria’s most prestigious music awards. He has also been featured on Barack Obama’s summer playlist and received international recognition from major platforms like Apple Music and YouTube.

Birth Name	Divine Ikubor
Stage Name	Rema
Date of birth	May 1st 2000
Net worth	$3 Million
Marital Status	Single
Record label	Jonzing World (Mavin Records)
Nationality	Nigerian
State of Origin	Benin City, Edo State.
Religion	Chrisitianity

Rema, the Nigerian musician, has faced personal challenges, including the loss of his father and elder brother. Despite these hardships, he demonstrated resilience and responsibility, returning from Ghana at the age of 17 to purchase a 2010 Lexus RX 350 for his mother. During his time in Ghana, Rema worked at a beach to support himself.

The artist expressed the difficulties he faced, stating, “At some point, things got hard, and I had to get brave… I had to work hard because I lost my brother and my dad… I had to work hard.”

Rema has also been vocal about issues related to his father’s death, including criticizing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the demise of his father, Justice Ikubor.

In terms of his achievements, Rema has acquired several cars, including a BMW beamer received from the BMW Club of Nigeria for promoting the brand in his hit single “Beamer” (Bad Boys). Additionally, he owns a GAC SUV, which was awarded for winning the Next Rated award at the 2019 Headies. The GAC SUV features a 5.7-liter V8 engine known for enhanced acceleration.

Read what Rema has to say about his dad and brother’s death

Rema, born Divine Ikubor, reflects on the past two years of his life as a journey akin to the biblical story of David. Drawing parallels, he emphasizes how, like David who took care of sheep, he has strived to provide for other artists in his hometown, Benin City, Nigeria.

The breakthrough for Rema occurred in 2018 when he recorded a viral freestyle over Nigerian artist D’Prince’s hit “Gucci Gang.” This freestyle, characterized by rapid bars, melody, and a maroon jacket, gained significant attention, marking the beginning of Rema’s rise in the Afrobeats genre.

With a distinctive sound combining comic-book references, romantic themes, teenage emotions, trap beats, and melodic richness, Rema quickly became one of the most exciting acts in Afrobeats. His hits, including “Iron Man,” caught the attention of industry figures such as Drake’s manager Oliver El-Khatib and even reached former U.S. President Barack Obama, who featured Rema’s song on his 2019 Summer Playlist.

Rema, who grew up in a family of six in Benin City, describes his hometown as deeply rooted in culture and tradition. Having started in music at Christ of Mercy church, where he led the youth program “Rap Nation,” Rema’s early rap skills developed, despite his admission of not being initially proficient. The loss of his father in 2008 and his brother seven years later led to financial struggles, prompting a move to Ghana for a year to seek better opportunities and support his family. Rema reflects on this challenging period, stating, “No money was coming in; we were hungry. I was the only man in the house. I had to do something.”

Rema Big Break Through in 2023

Rema’s achievements in 2023 have been exceptional, marked by significant milestones and recognition. Notably, he secured the title of the most streamed African album and song on Spotify, surpassing 1 billion streams. His success extends to the Billboard charts, where he became the first African act to chart on the Billboard Hot 100 for a year. His song “Calm Down” also achieved the highest charting position for a Nigerian song on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching number 3.

Beyond his chart-topping accolades, Rema showcased his versatile appeal by performing at prestigious events like the Ballon D’Or, demonstrating his ability to bridge the gap between music and sports. This achievement aligns with the notable performances of other Nigerian artists like Davido at the Fifa World Cup finals in 2022 and Burna Boy’s Champions League finals performance earlier in the year.

Rema’s conscious approach to his sound sets him apart, aiming to create music with global appeal. In an interview, he expressed his focus on crafting vibes that make the whole world dance, coining his sound as Afrorave. This commitment to creating music with crossover potential reflects Rema’s dedication to making an impact on a global scale.

Most certified African song: Rema’s music attained the status of the most certified African song, highlighting the widespread recognition and acceptance of his work.
Most viewed Nigerian music video on YouTube: His music video garnered the highest number of views among Nigerian music videos on the YouTube platform, showcasing the global popularity of his visual content.
First Afrobeats song to reach #1 on US Radio Songs: Rema broke new ground by achieving the milestone of having the first Afrobeats song to reach the number 1 spot on the US Radio Songs chart, signaling the genre’s increasing influence in the international music scene.
Longest charting African on Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart: Rema’s presence on the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart endured, marking him as the longest-charting African artist on this prestigious platform.
2023 MTV VMA “Best Afrobeats” award winner: Rema’s excellence in Afrobeats was recognized at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, where he received the award for “Best Afrobeats,” further validating his impact on the global stage.

Global Impact

Rema’s influence extends beyond Nigeria, as he continues to collaborate with international artists and perform on global stages. His music videos garner millions of views on YouTube, and his songs are streamed by fans worldwide on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.

Future Prospects

With his innovative approach to music and his ability to connect with a global audience, Rema is poised for continued success. He represents the new generation of African artists who are bringing Afrobeat and Nigerian music to the forefront of the global music scene.

Rema’s journey from a young boy in Benin City to an international music sensation is a testament to his talent, hard work, and the universal appeal of his music.

With each of these achievements, Rema not only sets records but also contributes to shaping a new era of African musical excellence, elevating the genre’s status on the world stage.

Meet Olamide: One of Nigeria’s Richest Rappers

Olamide’s net worth of $12 million reflects his success as one of Nigeria’s wealthiest and highest-paid rappers. Widely known as ‘Badoo,’ Olamide stands out in the music scene with his unique blend of Yoruba and English lyrics, contributing to his distinctive musical style.

As the founder and CEO of YBNL Nation, Olamide has not only achieved success as an artist but has also made a mark as a business owner. His record label and event management company have played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of various artists in the Nigerian music industry.

Olamide’s financial success is further enhanced by multiple endorsement deals and strategic investments. His global appeal, marked by numerous hit singles, has earned him a massive fan base and contributed significantly to his overall wealth.

Beyond his professional achievements, Olamide is a dedicated father to two sons. His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful and influential figure in Nigerian music showcases his resilience and determination.

This blog will provide a detailed exploration of Olamide’s career milestones, shedding light on the factors that have contributed to his enduring success and financial standing in the dynamic music industry.

Early Life

Olamide Adedeji, born on March 15, 1989, hails from Bariga, Lagos state. He is the second child of Pa Adedeji and Ronke Osisanya Adedeji. Olamide has two siblings, Temmy Gold and Eniola Olamilekan. Eniola Olamilekan, also known as DJ Enimoney, is renowned as the official DJ of YBNL Nation, further solidifying the family’s connection to the music industry.

Education

Olamide pursued his education in Lagos, completing both his primary and secondary schooling. Later, he continued his academic journey at Tai Solarin University of Education in Ijebu Ogun State, Nigeria, where he studied Mass Communication. Although he initially aspired to be a footballer, his true calling in music emerged.

In 2017, Olamide disclosed that he left the university not due to academic challenges but because financial constraints prevented his father from supporting his education. He shared this personal story during a motivational session for students at a Summer Camp organized by the Ogun State Government for Secondary Schools.

Olamide Net worth

Olamide, the Nigerian music sensation, has amassed a significant net worth of $12 million through various revenue streams such as album sales, ambassadorial deals, and streaming platforms. His widespread popularity has established him as one of the most successful artists in the industry.

Beyond his financial success, Olamide, often referred to as Baddo, is renowned for his extravagant lifestyle, evident in his impressive car collection and opulent mansion.

Baddo’s collection of cars is a testament to luxury and class, featuring a Lamborghini valued at over N218 million, showcasing his refined taste and affinity for exclusive items. Additionally, he owns a Toyota Camry worth N4 million and a Mercedes-Benz G Class valued at N23 million.

He takes pride in owning a magnificent mansion in Lekki Phase 1, valued at over N200 million. The mansion boasts breathtaking architectural design and luxurious interior decor.

Olamide’s net worth and acquisitions serve as an inspiration to many aspiring artists in the industry, illustrating that success is attainable through perseverance and determination.

Olamide Career in Music

Olamide’s music career took off in 2010 when he released his first single, quickly gaining widespread popularity. In 2011, he released his first album, “Rapsodi,” featuring collaborations with notable Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Reminisce, D’Banj, and 9ice.

After a year with Coded Tunes Record Label, Olamide founded his record label, YBNL Nation, in 2012. His second album, “YBNL,” was released in November 2012. Subsequently, he continued to release albums annually:

Rapsodi (2011): Olamide’s debut studio album featuring collaborations with industry stars.
YBNL (2012): His second studio album that included hit singles like “ILefo Illuminati” and “First of All.”
Baddest Guy Ever Liveth (2013): Olamide’s third studio album recorded between 2012 and 2013, featuring notable artists.
Street OT (2014): The fourth studio album released in 2014, serving as a follow-up to “Baddest Guy Ever Liveth.”
2 Kings (2015): A joint project with Phyno, released in 2015, featuring collaborations with various artists.
Eyan Mayweather (2015): Olamide’s fifth studio album released in November 2015.
The Glory (2016): The sixth studio album released in December 2016.
Carpe Diem (2020): This album featured collaborations with artists like Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, Peruzzi, and more.
UY Scuti (2021): Olamide’s 12th studio album, released in June 2021, with the name inspired by his child.

Olamide’s consistent album releases and collaborations have contributed to his significant impact on the Nigerian music scene. His latest album, “UY Scuti,” was released in June 2021, and he hinted at retirement after dropping his 12th studio album in February 2022.