Rema said Afrobeats was Getting Boring
Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, recently shared insights into his musical evolution and the reasons behind the changes in his sound for his sophomore album, “HeIs.” In an interview with Apple Music, the “Calm Down” hitmaker expressed his thoughts on the current state of Afrobeats and his decision to infuse his music with fresh elements.
Rema acknowledged the growing influence of South African Amapiano in the Nigerian music scene but emphasized the need for innovation within Afrobeats to keep it vibrant and relevant. “Afrobeats was getting boring, so I had to switch it up,” he said. “They will keep applauding, and we will be watering it down until some people start winning our Afrobeats awards.”
The artist stressed the importance of maintaining the authenticity and essence of Afrobeats amidst global success. “With the success that has come to Afrobeats, I feel like we are listening to the voices of the world too much, ignoring the voices back home,” Rema explained. He urged Nigerian artists to focus on preserving the unique sound and cultural roots of Afrobeats.
At a recent album listening party in London, Rema reiterated his call for Nigerian musicians to reclaim and protect their musical heritage. “We have to take our sh*t back, own it, and protect it. The more we water it down, we make it easy for them to create it. Until some people start winning Afrobeats awards, we’ll then realize we’ve indirectly sold ourselves,” he stated.
Rema’s candid remarks highlight a crucial conversation within the Afrobeats community about innovation, authenticity, and cultural preservation as the genre continues to gain global recognition.
