Rema Claims He Started the EP Trend in Afrobeats
Written by MAX FM on September 16, 2024
Nigerian singer Rema, known offstage as Divine Ikubor, has stirred up a buzz with his recent claim that he started the EP trend in the Afrobeats genre.
During a candid interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema asserted that since his debut in 2019, many new Afrobeats artists have followed the template he established.
Rema, the artist behind hits like “Ozeba,” explained that his approach to launching music was different from the norm. “When I entered the music industry, I brought a new strategy,” he said.
“Instead of just dropping singles or full albums, I started the trend of new artists debuting with an EP. Since then, every new Afrobeats artist has followed that path, releasing an EP when they first come out.”
This assertion comes amid Rema’s frustration with how some industry veterans downplay his impact on the genre. He expressed his disappointment at not receiving the recognition he feels he deserves.
“A lot of people argue about my influence in Afrobeats,” he said. “I don’t want to come across as self-important, but if no one else acknowledges my contributions, I have to speak up.”
Rema also touched on the challenges of being a young artist in a field where established figures often overshadow newcomers.
“Sometimes, people don’t like young artists praising themselves. “It might come off as boastful, even if it’s the truth,” he explained. “I can’t always wait for the older generation to acknowledge my impact. If no one else will, I might have to do it myself.”
The conversation sheds light on Rema’s perspective on his role in shaping the current Afrobeats scene. His innovative approach to launching music projects has undoubtedly influenced many artists, even if people don’t always recognize his contributions.
Rema’s comments remind us that behind every trend, there’s often a pioneer who might not always get the credit they deserve.
