Nigerian music star Rema has maintained his stance that he belongs to the league of Afrobeats’ biggest names, often referred to as the “Afrobeats Big 3,” which includes Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
The young artiste, who has enjoyed global success with his hit single Calm Down, reiterated his claim in a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, expressing why some people may hesitate to give him the recognition he believes he deserves.
Rema, whose career has seen a meteoric rise since his debut, acknowledged that his quick success might be a reason for the reluctance.
“I think the success came too quickly that some people wish I didn’t get it too quick,” he stated, referencing the impact of Calm Down and its remix with Selena Gomez, which propelled him onto the international stage.
He went on to explain that many in the industry expect an artist to spend at least a decade proving their worth before receiving such accolades.
“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,” Rema said. “I was already breaking 7-year-old records when I was just 3 years in the game.”
Despite the comparisons to seasoned veterans, Rema placed himself alongside the “Big 3” of Afrobeats. “With respect to the OGs, but I am one of them,” he asserted when asked if he truly believes he deserves a spot among the elite Afrobeats flagbearers.
In the same interview, Rema discussed his recently released sophomore album HEIS, which he said was inspired by his desire to challenge the status quo. He emphasised that his creative drive and determination to push boundaries have always set him apart in the industry.
Rema’s rise to stardom, fueled by his unique sound and international collaborations, has stirred conversations about his place within the Afrobeats genre.
As he continues to break records and gain global recognition, Rema remains firm in his belief that he is on par with the legends of the movement.
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