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Tag: Rema

  • Davido, Rema, Shallipoppi set for Edo Festival and Awards in UK

    Davido, Rema, Shallipoppi set for Edo Festival and Awards in UK

    For the 2024 edition of the Edo Festival and Awards in the United Kingdom, Rema, Shallipoppi and Davido have dominated the categories.

    This became the talk of town after the organisers released this year’s nomination list.

    Organisers of the annual Edo Festival and Awards, JJ Barry Conglomerate, are optimistic that this year’s event which is the 14th in the series will be their biggest yet.

    Chief Executive Officer of the UK-based entertainment outfit, Ken Odeh, said the festival and awards show is slated to be held from November 15 to November 17, 2024.

    He said the awards with 15 categories will wrap up all the activities for the awards ceremony.

    According to Odeh, “this year’s nominees cut across all sectors including politics, business, philanthropy, entertainment, among others.

    “We have fifteen categories already earmarked and voting is already ongoing on our website www.edofestival.com.”

    Read Also: I wasn’t jealous of Victoria, Ozee’s friendship – Onyeka

    “Some of the nominees include top politicians like former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole, Senators Monday Okpebholo and Neda Imasuen, Hon Dennis Idahosa, Hon Odianosen Okojie, Hon Julius Ihonvbere, Hon Billy Osawaru, among others.

    “There is also a special category that recognises the likes of Sir Chief Dr. Gabriel Igbinedion, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome and Archbishop Dr Margaret Idahosa.”

    “Some big players in Nigeria’s Nollywood who have received nominations like; Linda Osifo, Nancy Isime, Yvonne Jegede, Ruth Kadiri, Adesua Etomi, Osas Ighodaro, Sandra Aigbogun, Mercy Aigbe, Enado Odigie, Angela Eguavoen, Etinosa Idemudia, etc”.

    The JJ Barry Conglomerate CEO also added that there will be a non-voting category which is an Honorary Award to be bestowed on His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolopkolor, Oba Ewuare II, The Oba of Benin for being the pride and defender of the Benin Kingdom.

    The three-day event will be held at the Radisson Blu in London.

  • I’ve been tagged a “devil worshiper” online – Rema

    I’ve been tagged a “devil worshiper” online – Rema

    Singer Rema has opened up about the most outrageous rumor he’s encountered online.

    He said being labeled a “devil worshiper” is the wildest he has heard of him on the internet. 

    During an appearance on the “Kids Take Over” podcast, Rema shared his thoughts on the baseless accusation. 

    “They say I worship the devil, It’s crazy. I didn’t respond to it because it’s not important. It’s a waste of time,” he said. 

    Read Also: Shallipopi, Rema feature on EA Sports FC25 Soundtrack

    Rema clarified that the symbols he uses in his art are rooted in Edo culture, not satanism.

    The “Calm Down” hitmaker also discussed his 2020 collaboration with Drake on “Mention Me,” which was leaked. 

    “I’m happy to work with a legend like Drake… I feel like we’re going to make a huge song if we take our time to build something strong”, he said.

  • Rema reveals family as key motivation behind his success

    Rema reveals family as key motivation behind his success

    Afrobeat sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, revealed the driving force behind his success in an exclusive interview with The Breakfast Club.

    The “Hehehe” hitmaker credited his family as his primary motivation, highlighting his desire to provide for his loved ones and give back to those who have supported him in realizing his vision.

    He said: “I’d say number one; my drive has always been family. I feel like my family has grown bigger by how much love I receive and how much people have supported me to achieve my vision.

    “I’d say that I feel like I have so much responsibility now; leaving the hood, the first thing you want to do is to feed your family and when you come in the game, you see all the responsibilities that come with being an artist or being the chosen one.”

    Read Also: I started EP trend, says Rema

    The singer also added that his drive is not solely driven by financial gain but by a deep sense of duty and appreciation for those around him.

    He explained: “There are different people called for different purposes and you look around you and see the people who supported you to achieve your dreams also have dreams; they also have dreams. Sometimes you have to take time out and ask them, ‘What do you want?’ and my manager would be like, ‘I want to manage the biggest artiste out of Africa,’ and I want to get him that.

    “I have different drives, it’s not everything that is money exchange. Every responsibility is not 100% mine.”

  • Rema, Shallipopi, Omah Lay featured on EA FC 25 soundtrack

    Rema, Shallipopi, Omah Lay featured on EA FC 25 soundtrack

    Afrobeat singers Rema and Shallipopi have achieved another milestone in their careers with the feature of their hit track “Benin Boys” on the official soundtrack of EA FC 25, the popular football video game formerly known as FIFA.

    This development underscores the growing global influence of Nigerian artists in the entertainment industry.

    Read Also: I started EP trend, says Rema

    “Benin Boys,” known for its infectious beat and cultural references to the artist’s hometown of Benin City, Nigeria, has gained significant traction since its release.

    EA Sports, the game’s developer, unveiled the full playlist earlier this week, showcasing a diverse range of music from international artists across different genres.

    The soundtrack includes over 100 songs, featuring several unreleased tracks from prominent artists.

    Rema and Shallipopi are joined by fellow Nigerian artists Omah Lay and Obongjayar, whose tracks “Moving” and “Tomorrow Man,” respectively, are also part of the lineup.

    The EA FC 25 soundtrack is now available on Spotify and other streaming platforms, ahead of the game’s release on September 27.

  • I started EP trend, says Rema

    I started EP trend, says Rema

    Award-winning singer Rema has proclaimed himself the pioneer of the modern Afrobeats sound, claiming that every new artist since 2019 has followed his lead.

    During his appearance on The Breakfast Club, Rema asserted that he introduced a new template by starting the EP trend.

    “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,” he stated.

    Read Also: Rema asserts position among afrobeats’ Big 3

    The 24-year-old artist attributed his need for self-recognition to the industry’s reluctance to acknowledge his contributions.

    “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 explained.

  • I wasn’t overly excited when I made first N50m- Rema

    I wasn’t overly excited when I made first N50m- Rema

    Afrobeat singer Rema has opened up about his calm and thoughtful response to earning his first N50 million.

    In a chat with Breakfast Club, Rema shared how he felt after receiving his first big paycheck.

    Rema said he remained composed and didn’t let the excitement get the better of him.

    Read Also: My haters inspired ‘Hehehe’ hit song – Rema

    Instead, he chose to use the money to show appreciation for his loved ones, especially his mother and the church.

    Rema revealed that he bought a car for his mother and musical instruments for a church, demonstrating gratitude and commitment to giving back.

    “When I made my first 50 million I was not freaked. I got my mum a car and I bought instruments for the church,” Rema said.

  • I don’t write songs, I just have fun in the studio – Rema

    I don’t write songs, I just have fun in the studio – Rema

    Afrobeat sensation Rema has opened up about his creative process, stating he doesn’t actually write his songs.

    According to the ‘Hehehe’ hitmaker,  he lets his creativity flow freely in the studio, often resulting in spontaneous sounds and melodies.

    Rema took pride in his natural talent, explaining that creating music comes effortlessly to him.

    He recalled how his breakout track “Dumebi” was crafted from a catchy melody rather than traditional words, and how some of his lyrics are simply expressive sounds.

    In an interview on The Breakfast Club podcast, Rema said: “I’m in my own world. I don’t really write songs. I don’t write. I just go to the studio and have fun.

    Read Also: Rema asserts position among afrobeats’ Big 3

    ” Sometimes I end up saying things that do not even exist, that are not even words. Like my first hit song, the chorus was not even a word, I just expressed myself. I was just in my own world, enjoying what I do and that’s harmony. 

    “Like I say, if the vision was never for me, then why did it come? It’s like no English word or Nigerian word could match the vibration that that chorus would send. It was just meant to be gibberish and I did it, and it gave me the platform to express myself more. It gave me my first hit song. 

    “In Nigeria, we call that ‘lamba’, lamba is just something you create out of the aura of being in the studio and in that creative process, you just express that feeling. It’s like saying “boom” without saying it was an explosion.”

  • Rema asserts position among afrobeats’ Big 3

    Rema asserts position among afrobeats’ Big 3

    Afrobeat artist Rema has confidently declared his place alongside the “Afrobeats Big 3”, Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.

    Despite some reluctance from others due to his rapid rise to success, Rema believes his achievements warrant recognition.

    In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema said:  “I think the success came too quickly that some people wish I didn’t get it too quick.

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    “You know when they want to give you respect and you have to be 10 years in the game, I think my career didn’t play according to those rules. I was already breaking 7-year-old records when I was just 3 years in the game,” Rema added

    Rema’s sophomore album, “HEIS,” motivates his desire to challenge the status quo.

    He stated: “With respect to the OGs, but I am one of them…”

    Rema’s claim is backed by his record-breaking single “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez and his swift success in the industry, breaking 7-year-old records within just three years of his career.

  • Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    Rema, Omah Lay, Asake, others to headline Promise Land Festival

    The anticipated Promise Land festival has unveiled its 2024 lineup, featuring a powerhouse of Nigerian talent, including Rema, Asake, and Omah Lay.

    The three-day festival, set to take place between October 4 and 6, 2024, at Doug Jennings Park in Gold Coast, QLD, Australia, promises to deliver an unforgettable experience.

    Read Also; Peter Obi, wife not arrested by DSS, says aide

    Rema, known for his chart-topping hits, will take the stage on the second day, sharing the spotlight with international acts Jorja Smith, Miguel, and Fiji.

    Asake and Omah Lay will close out the festival on the final day, performing alongside hip-hop legend Busta Rhymes.

    Joining the Nigerian headliners are a talented array of artists from the continent, including Compozers, Sarz, Seyi Vibez, Shallipopi, Tiwa Savage, Victony, Ruger, and BNXN.

    Ghana’s Black Sherif, King Promise, and South Africa’s DBN Gogo, Major League DJz, Young Stunna, and Uncle Waffles will also bring their unique sounds to the festival.

  • Rema pledges N105m to church

    Rema pledges N105m to church

    Music sensation Rema has pledged N105 million to Christ Embassy Church in Benin City, Edo State.

    The donation was made during a thanksgiving service at the church where Rema shared his personal story of struggle and triumph.

    Rema, who lost his father at eight, credited the church for providing support and care to his family during a difficult time.

    The donation will be allocated to various causes, including N40 million for infrastructure development, N20 million for Rhapsody of Realities publications, N25 million for the teen church and N20 million to support widows in the church community.

    Read Also: Rema a backstage artiste at my 2016 inauguration – Obaseki

    He said: “I am not here to give myself any form of accolades or glory but to give to God the glory.

    “And, I felt it was important to give back to the church that has embraced me, prayed for me and kept me very consistent with my spirit.

    “Firstly, I want to give a pledge of N40 million to the infrastructural development of the church, N20 million to the Rhapsody of Realities publication, and, being a fact that I came from the teen church, I also like to pledge N25 million to the church.

    “And just to add to that, if there is any widow in church today, I am pledging N20 million to assist all the widows in attendance”.

    “When I was eight years old when I lost my dad, we felt very lost and abandoned.

    “All that we had were taken from us and we felt alone, and I remember at the time Pastor Joy and Pastor Thomas, the pastors of this church; they opened a shop for my mum, and that was what she managed to take care of and feed us.”