Nigerian heavyweight singer and performer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, recently opened up about his views on competing with Afrobeats giants Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Despite being hailed as one of the leading figures in the new wave of Afrobeats, Rema made it clear that he doesn’t see the need to compete with the “big three.”
In an insightful interview with UK media platform GRM Daily on the latest episode of “Thoughts In A Culli,” Rema, whose sophomore album ‘HEIS’ continues to make waves, he shared his thoughts on various topics, including his career, personal life, and the Afrobeats genre.
When asked by show host Post, the CEO of GRM Daily, about competing with Afrobeats heavyweights and being regarded as part of the new Afrobeats “Big Four,” the 24-year-old superstar expressed his respect for his colleagues. Rema emphasized that he doesn’t allow the competitive nature of fans to influence his mindset. Instead, he focuses on his growth and artistry.
Rema explained his perspective on competition, noting that he didn’t know Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido personally five years ago, so he doesn’t feel the need to compete with them now. “The logic I apply to the competition revolves around the fact that I didn’t know the likes of Burna Boy, Wizkid, or Davido five years ago; hence, I should not be so invested in competing with them or having to ‘dunk on them’ now that they are colleagues,” he said.
He further elaborated that, while some lyrics might imply one artist is better than another, for him, it’s all just part of the sport of music. Outside of the industry, he believes there should be love and respect among artists.
Rema’s mature outlook and focus on self-improvement rather than competition set a positive tone for the future of Afrobeats. As he continues to rise in the music industry, his emphasis on respect and camaraderie inspires fans and fellow artists alike.
For those interested in hearing more from Rema, you can watch the full interview below.
Watch full video here
