Rema has become synonymous with innovation in the music industry, consistently pushing boundaries and reinventing the soundscape of Afrobeats. His second studio album, HEIS, is a testament to his audacity and creative prowess, introducing a bold new Afro subgenre that has reshaped the musical landscape. Initially polarizing, HEIS has grown to be embraced by fans and critics alike, further solidifying Rema’s status as a trailblazer. The project earned Rema his first Grammy nomination for ‘Best Global Music Album.’ His spontaneous release of the “Baby (Is It a Crime)” created waves across social media, further proving his uncanny ability to captivate audiences. The single was announced to be released on the 7th of February.
Reflecting on Rema’s journey, one cannot forget his breakout single “Dumebi,” which captured the hearts of millions and set the stage for his meteoric rise. From the “Spiderman” era, where scepticism surrounded his unconventional style, to the lockdown anthem “Lady” and 2020 power tracks like “Beamer,” “Ginger Me,” and “Woman,” Rema has consistently surprised listeners with his fearless experimentation.
2024 has been particularly significant for Rema. His single “DND” captivated audiences with its introspective lyrics and intricate production, demonstrating his growth as an artiste. The HEIS album debuted at No. 2, peaked at No. 1, and has spent 29 weeks on the Official Top 100 Albums chart, amassing over 104 million streams. Notably, it secured the fourth-highest first-day Spotify streams in Nigerian music history (2.7 million) and the third-highest first-week Spotify streams (12 million). Rema’s collaborative spirit has also extended his reach globally. His remix of “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez broke records, earning over 1 billion Spotify streams and solidifying his position as a global Afrobeats ambassador.
Rema’s chart successes since 2023 alone underscores his dominance:
- “Soweto (Remix)”: Debuted at No. 16, peaked at No. 4, and has spent 32 weeks on the Official Nigeria Top 100 chart.
- “Charm”: Debuted at No. 1 and spent an impressive 32 weeks on the Top 100.
- “Holiday”: Debuted at No. 3, peaked at No. 3, with 24 weeks on the chart.
- “DND”: Debuted at No. 6, peaked at No. 5, with 28 weeks on the chart.
- “Won Da Mo”: Debuted at No. 54, peaked at No. 1, and spent 31 weeks on the chart.
- “BENIN BOYS”: Debuted at No. 1 and remained on the chart for 24 weeks.
Albums like Rave & Roses and the Ravage EP have further cemented Rema’s influence, with chart-topping performances spanning 117 weeks and 64 weeks, respectively on the Official Top 100 Albums chart. As Rema continues to redefine what’s possible in Afrobeats, his discography speaks for itself—a collection of songs that transcend borders and genres, cementing his legacy as one of the daring and greatest artistes of his generation.