Afrorave trailblazer Rema (real name Divine Ikubor) releases the official video for his fan favourite single, ‘Are You There?’, shot and chopped by TG Omori (Wizkid, Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, Naira Marley). Speaking directly to and for the youth of Nigeria and beyond, the video is a form of protest demonstrating his desire to fight for change at the top level and to express solidarity with his people. The loudness and colour in the music video is only matched by the electric charge of the song.
'Are You There?’, has an energetic feel to the instrumental which matches Rema intense approach on the track perfectly, constantly asking the question wherever it is about love like most of his songs or more political in nature. Still only 21-years-old, Rema is not blind to what is going on and through his art, he wants to encourage happiness whilst challenging the present state of affairs within his country to “wake up”, and to push for a better future for the next generation.
Still basking in the incredible success of his debut album, Rave & Roses went on to achieve No.1 in over sixteen counties, A-List at BBC 1xtra, went Top 10 in Billboard’s ‘World Music’ chart, Top 10 in Apple Music & Shazam charts week of release as well as making history as the highest-charting debut Afrobeats album in Nigeria.
Raves & Roses spanned across 17-tracks and featured a handpicked selection of features including U.S singer Chris Brown, 6LACK,UK rapper AJ Tracey & French songstress Yseult. Coining a new sub-genre dubbed Afrorave, Rave & Roses is a masterclass in his range and musicality as he opens up and lets us explore his weird and wonderful universe. Doing what he does best, Rema is now taking the album on the road visiting the UK this summer to play at; Strawberries & Cream and Wireless, amongst an extensive EU & US tour whilst also teasing a debut London headline show this year.
Since his inception, Rema has come in and completely switched up the game, rapidly becoming one of the biggest and most internationally known names in the new wave of Afrobeats stars. The young pioneer stands out due to his ability to bounce between influences, citing African, Indian and Arabic music as having an integral impact on his sound. With co-signs from the likes of Timberland, Barack Obama, Rihanna, Drake, Skepta and FKA Twigs, Rema puts his own supernatural spin on everything he touches, with his debut album proving he is worthy of all the hype surrounding him.
Comentarios