Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, a Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, recently made big claims about his impact on the music industry, claiming that he pioneered the tradition of releasing EPs in the Afrobeats market. The “Calm Down” hitmaker, who has continually made waves since his debut, stated that every Afrobeats artist that came after him in 2019 followed the model he laid forth. Rema made this claim during an interview on the popular American radio show *The Breakfast Club*, which sparked extensive discussion in the music industry.
Rema, who first appeared on the scene in 2019 with his self-titled EP, believes that his decision to start with an EP created a new benchmark for how upcoming Afrobeats musicians introduced themselves to the audience. His EP, which included smash songs like “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” and “Corny,” earned him critical acclaim and established him as a rising star in the Afrobeats genre. According to Rema, this decision cleared the way for other musicians to follow suit, releasing EPs as a strategic means to acquire exposure in the competitive music market.
During his interview, Rema did not hesitate to admit that certain prominent personalities in the field were first disdainful of his work. He said that several prominent figures in the Afrobeats industry dismissed his early efforts and did not fully recognise the influence he was having. However, the rising artist believes his effect is evident, since the EP format has become a popular technique among emerging Afrobeats acts wanting to make their mark.
Rema’s climb to prominence has been nothing short of extraordinary. Rema soon established himself as a trailblazer, fusing Afrobeats with trap, pop, and alternative sounds after signing with Mavin Records under Don Jazzy’s management. His distinct style and original approach have helped to push the frontiers of Afrobeats, establishing him as one of the genre’s leading voices on a global scale. His comments about beginning the EP trend reflect his faith in his craft and the direction he believes he has taken the industry.
Since his debut, Rema has continued to release projects that push the frontiers of Afrobeat. His most recent album, *Rave & Roses*, was a financial success, establishing his position as a leader among Nigeria’s new generation of artists. The album’s main single, “Calm Down,” became an international hit, and a remix starring Selena Gomez propelled him even higher into the global spotlight.
Rema’s comments on *The Breakfast Club* sparked debate among music fans and industry experts alike. While some agree with his assessment and applaud him for his contributions to Afrobeats, others contend that the EP format existed prior to his arrival and that he just popularised it for a younger age. Regardless of conflicting viewpoints, Rema’s influence on Afrobeats is undeniable, and his assertions reflect his belief in his role as a pioneer.
Rema’s artistic development is ongoing, and it is apparent that he has no plans to stop. His strong comments and evident talent make him a crucial figure in the Afrobeats movement, and his belief in his own power indicates that he is prepared to lead the genre into the future. Whether or not he single-handedly launched the EP trend, Rema’s contributions to Afrobeats unquestionably altered its trajectory, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.