Renowned musician Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, recently made headlines by asserting that numerous contemporaries in the music industry have been imitating both his musical style and brand identity without acknowledgment.
Amid celebrating six nominations for the prestigious 2023 Billboard Music Awards, the “Calm Down” crooner raised concerns about artists emulating his approaches without explicitly naming anyone.
In an exclusive interview with Rolling Stone, Rema expressed both frustration and flattery, acknowledging the lack of credit for his influential style while appreciating that others are drawing inspiration from his work.
The young artist articulated his vision for evolving the Afrobeats music genre, stating, “I’ve been on the road for 4 years back-to-back; dropping bangers, hopping on stages. It has facilitated my continuous growth.”
Expressing his aversion to idleness, Rema highlighted his ongoing commitment to innovation within the music sphere. “I have extensive plans for the evolution of the Afrobeats sound. I’ve always been that guy who desires to transform the game. From sound to shows, to branding.”
Rema added, “Even though some artists will not give me credit, I recognize how many people in the industry have replicated my strategies, and I’m flattered by it.”
His remarks shed light on the paradox of being imitated yet not acknowledged, showcasing the duality of frustration and admiration for the influence he wields within the music industry.
The revelation of his constant commitment to growth and transformation within Afrobeats emphasizes Rema’s role as a visionary artist, aspiring to shape the industry’s future while navigating the complexities of influence and recognition within the competitive landscape of modern music.
