2. REMA
Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, continued to establish himself as a global force in the music industry throughout 2024. Since his breakthrough, Rema has consistently evolved, and this year was no different. His sound—a seamless fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and global pop—continued to win hearts and break records.
On July 11, 2024, Rema released his highly anticipated second studio album, HEIS. The album’s title, derived from the Greek word for “numeral 1,” symbolizes individuality and excellence—a reflection of Rema’s artistic evolution. Featuring 11 meticulously crafted tracks, HEIS showcased his ability to blend Afrobeats with global sounds while maintaining authenticity.
Rema’s global hit “Calm Down (Remix)” featuring Selena Gomez earned a nomination for International Song of the Year at the Brit Awards and won Best Collaboration at the iHeartRadio Music Awards, where it was also nominated for Song of the Year and Pop Song of the Year. Additionally, Rema himself received a nomination for Best New Pop Artist and was recognized as a nominee for Afrobeats Artist of the Year.
The album included collaborations with some of Nigeria’s brightest stars, such as ODUMODUBLVCK on the hard-hitting track War Machine and Shallipopi on the upbeat anthem Benin Boys. Each collaboration added unique flavors to the album, reflecting the diverse influences shaping Rema’s music. He also released a single titled ‘Fi Kan We Kan’ with Buju Bnxn.
By year’s end, Rema’s influence extended to fashion as he became the face of a major nike campaign, blending his music persona with contemporary streetwear. With multiple award nominations, chart-topping tracks, and iconic performances, Rema’s 2024 solidified his place as a global ambassador for Afrobeats.
