Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, has asserted that every new Afrobeats artist emerging since 2019 is following the template he established.
Rema made this statement during a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club.
The artist behind the hit song “Ozeba” also claimed that he pioneered the trend of debuting with an extended play (EP).
“When I came into the game [music industry], I brought a template. The way new artists come and dominate, mine was different. I started the EP trend. Every [new Afrobeats] artist since 2019 walked on that path like when you come out, you popped out with an EP,” Rema affirmed.
Rema mentioned that many people are hesitant to recognize his contributions to Afrobeats, which is why he feels compelled to highlight his own achievements.
“A lot of people would argue [my innovation in Afrobeats]. I don’t like to feel an Afrobeats Messiah.
“Sometimes, people don’t like young people applauding themselves. Sometimes, it’s not for you to say. Sometimes, it’s the truth but it’s just not for you to say.
“Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself,” he added.