Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has once again declared himself one of the genre’s greatest artists, crediting his success to talent, hard work, and passion.
He credits his success to relentless hard work, dedication, and a deep passion for music.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, the 24-year-old singer addressed the backlash over his earlier statement. Previously, he boldly ranked himself among Nigeria’s top four artists. Critics accused him of arrogance, but Rema insists his words come from confidence, not pride.
Hard work, not arrogance
Rema explained that his claim is based on his achievements, not an inflated ego. He believes recognizing one’s greatness is not boastful—it’s a form of self-belief.
“I work tirelessly,” he said. “I push myself beyond limits. I create, innovate, and give my all to this music. If that makes me one of the greats, then I stand by it.”
He added that accepting one’s success is part of an artist’s journey. According to him, acknowledging his impact on Afrobeats is not about disrespecting others but embracing his role in shaping the genre.
A call for unity in Afrobeats
While defending his stance, Rema also took the opportunity to promote unity among Afrobeats artists. He distanced himself from recent rap feuds, particularly Kendrick Lamar’s controversial diss line, which stirred debates in the hip-hop world.
In his song Heis, Rema made strong statements about his place in the industry. However, he clarified that his words were not meant to tear others down.
“So on Heis, I was talking a lot of s**t,” he admitted. “But it’s not cocky. Why should anyone hold back from saying they’re the best? You can claim it and stand your ground. Even calling myself ‘top four’ is humble. I didn’t say I’m number one. I didn’t say I’m above anyone. I simply see myself as one of the greats. That’s a problem for some people.”
Different from Kendrick’s approach
Rema made it clear that his approach differs from the competitive energy seen in other music genres. He emphasized that his goal is to uplift Afrobeats, not divide it.
“I’m not saying ‘f**k everybody,’” he continued. “It’s different from what Kendrick said—‘It’s just big me.’ My message is not about rivalry. I truly support the unity of Afrobeats.”
A rising star with a global impact
Since his breakthrough, Rema has played a major role in taking Afrobeats to the world stage. His hit song Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, became a global sensation, topping charts in multiple countries. His unique blend of rhythm and melody has won him fans far beyond Africa.
Despite the criticism, Rema remains focused on his journey. He believes artists should embrace their success without fear of judgment. For him, confidence is key, and he won’t apologize for believing in his greatness.
As Afrobeats continues to grow internationally, Rema’s influence cannot be ignored. Whether people agree with his statement or not, his impact on the genre is undeniable.
Read Also: Rema addresses Nigeria’s struggles, Grammy disappointment
