Rema Clears the Air on Misinterpreted Comments About Nigerian Artists
Multiple award-winning Afrobeats star Rema has addressed and clarified a misinterpreted comment he made about Nigerian artists, putting an end to recent confusion. The Calm Down hitmaker took to social media to clear the air after a quote from his interview with Dazed was misrepresented by Album Talks.
The controversy began when Album Talks quoted Rema, suggesting he had criticized many Afrobeats stars for failing to represent their Nigerian heritage. However, Rema quickly set the record straight, explaining that his words were specifically about his unique position as one of the few mainstream artists from Benin City, Nigeria.
In a tweet, Rema responded: “In context of being one of the very few mainstream artists from Benin. Stop the .” He emphasized that his comments were not a broad critique of the entire Afrobeats industry but rather a reflection of his responsibility to represent his hometown on the global stage.
In the original Dazed interview, Rema expressed his deep commitment to showcasing his culture and heritage. He pointed out that, unlike other cultures, few artists from Benin City have reached mainstream success. As a result, he feels a strong obligation to carry that representation forward.
He explained, “Unlike other…cultures, there aren’t many of us repping where we’re from, you know what I mean? So I feel like I have to bring it with me all the time. Still I can’t stop to…”
Rema’s clarification comes as a reminder of his dedication to his roots and his mission to make an impact both as an artist and as a representative of his heritage. His commitment to authenticity remains at the forefront of his career as he continues to rise on the global stage.