Nigerian Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, recently opened up about the wildest rumor he’s come across about himself. During an appearance on the ‘Kids Take Over’ podcast, the ‘Calm Down’ singer revealed that some people have gone so far as to accuse him of being a devil worshipper.
When asked by the host about the most outrageous untrue thing he’s seen online, Rema couldn’t help but laugh before responding:
“They say I worship the devil. It’s crazy. I didn’t respond to it because it is not important. It’s a waste of time.”
The 23-year-old superstar explained that the symbols and imagery he uses in his art are deeply rooted in Edo culture, which has often been misunderstood or misinterpreted by outsiders. For Rema, the idea that he’s involved in anything satanic is far from the truth, and he prefers not to engage with such unfounded rumors.
Cultural Misunderstanding
Rema’s use of symbols in his performances and visuals is often linked to his Edo heritage, a rich culture steeped in traditional practices and symbolism. However, as is often the case with African traditions and spirituality, his creative choices have been misinterpreted by some as having darker, sinister meanings. This is not a new phenomenon for African artists, who frequently face criticism and misunderstandings when incorporating their heritage into modern pop culture.
Rather than defend himself endlessly against these baseless claims, Rema has chosen to remain focused on his craft and his fans, brushing off the rumors as a waste of energy.
Working with Drake: A Dream Realized
During the same podcast episode, Rema also touched on one of the high points of his career—working with Canadian superstar Drake in 2020. The two collaborated on the song “Mention Me”, although it was leaked before its official release.
Despite the hiccup, Rema expressed gratitude for the opportunity to work with someone of Drake’s caliber and believes they will create something even more impactful in the future. He shared his excitement about their collaboration:
“I’m happy to work with a legend like Drake. I feel like we are going to make a very huge song if we take our time to build something very strong.”
Rema’s Rise to Global Stardom
Since breaking into the music scene, Rema has quickly gained international fame, becoming one of the leading faces of Afrobeats. His hits like “Dumebi” and “Calm Down” have earned him a massive following, but with fame often comes rumors and misconceptions.
His response to the devil worship rumors highlights a larger issue many African artists face—cultural symbols and expressions being misrepresented. For Rema, his art is an extension of his identity and heritage, and he remains confident in who he is, despite the noise.
Rema’s calm and collected response to rumors about devil worship is a testament to his maturity and focus. Rather than being bogged down by baseless claims, he continues to push his career forward, embracing his Edo culture and connecting with global superstars like Drake. As he navigates the highs and lows of fame, Rema’s ability to stay true to himself and his roots shines through—proving that authenticity always wins in the end.
