Since his ascent to stardom in 2018, Divine Ikubor, a Nigerian singer and stage performer who hails from Edo, has found himself in high demand, both within the local music scene and on the international stage. Fans and music enthusiasts, including emerging artists, have drawn inspiration from his exceptional musical talent.
The versatile songwriter, who goes by the stage name Rema, recently achieved a significant milestone by winning the inaugural Best Afrobeat award at the MTV Video Music Awards. He received this accolade for his song ‘Calm Down,’ featuring Selena Gomez. This newly introduced category by the award organizers aims to acknowledge African music, particularly the Afrobeat genre, on the global stage.
In a competition that included renowned artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, Rema’s triumph alongside Selena Gomez was a momentous achievement. He expressed his gratitude to fans and music lovers for their unwavering support. It’s worth noting that Rema received three nominations, including one for Song of the Year.
The ‘Charm’ crooner has a track record of breaking records and accumulating numerous awards and chart-topping singles. His recent VMA win serves as a source of motivation for aspiring underground artists, who view him as a mentor in the industry. It also encourages established artists to continue their hard work and maintain a positive outlook.
Rema’s journey in the music industry began in the Ekehuan area of Benin City, where he caught the attention of record executive D’Prince through his contribution to the open verse of ‘Gucci Gang.’ This ultimately led to his signing with the Jonzing World label, and from there, he took the music world by storm with his distinctive sound.
Rema’s VMA victory is not only a significant accomplishment for him but also a positive development for the Nigerian music industry. It inspires underground artists to strive for recognition, which, in turn, can expand the reach of Afrobeat and attract more global music investors to the local music scene, creating employment opportunities.
Music has proven to be a valuable investment for the development of any nation, particularly Nigeria. Rema’s success underscores this point. The MTV Video Music Award has provided a platform for African music to transcend borders and reach a wider audience without hindrance. Today, every creative mind in the local music scene draws inspiration from Rema’s achievements and seeks to promote their craft beyond boundaries by enhancing the quality of their music videos and enriching the content of their lyrics.
Culled from: nigerianobservernews.com
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