Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has boldly claimed that the introduction of an Afrobeats category in major international award shows is largely due to the success of his global hit song, Calm Down.
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club, Rema reflected on his rapid rise in the Afrobeats scene, stating that he now stands alongside Nigerian music heavyweights Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
“I don’t want to feel like an Afrobeats Messiah,” Rema remarked, adding, “Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it, but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself. Respect to the OGs, but yeah, I am one of the Big 4.”
The singer further emphasized his impact, pointing to the creation of the Afrobeats category in major award shows. “Something as little as a major award show creating an Afrobeats category because the success of my song has already opened gates,” he said.
In 2022, the MTV Video Music Awards introduced a “Best Afrobeats Song” category, and Rema’s Calm Down remix featuring Selena Gomez took home the inaugural award.
Rema’s contribution to the genre continues to gain global recognition, pushing Afrobeats to greater heights in the international music scene.
