Nigerian singer and global sensation Rema has sparked controversy after a recent interview clip resurfaced in which he voiced frustration over not receiving the recognition he believes he deserves in the music industry. The 23-year-old, who catapulted to international fame with his hit song “Dumebi” and has continued to make waves globally, was heard questioning why he is not being acknowledged more widely for his achievements.
In the short segment from an interview with a popular Nigerian radio station, Rema, born Divine Ikubor, says: “For 1 hit song? People act like that’s all I’ve done. But they don’t understand the grind. It’s disrespectful to disregard everything I’ve put in to get to this point.” The comment quickly set off a firestorm of responses on social media, with fans, critics, and fellow artists chiming in.
Some supporters of Rema rallied behind him, arguing that the singer’s rapid rise to international acclaim is a testament to his talent and hard work. “Rema deserves every bit of recognition he gets, and more,” one Twitter user wrote. “The industry can be brutal, and he’s worked hard for his place in it.”
However, others took issue with his statement, suggesting that his success may have come from one standout song, with some feeling that his frustrations were misplaced. “1 hit song? Let’s be real,” wrote another user. “He’s blessed with international success, but there are many who’ve put in the same effort with no global recognition. Not every artist has a ‘Dumebi.’”
Veteran Nigerian musicians also joined the debate, with some pointing out that while Rema’s breakout track has indeed become a global anthem, lasting success in the music industry requires consistent work and more than just one major song.
“This comment is tone-deaf,” said a prominent Nigerian artist, who chose to remain anonymous. “Rema’s talent is undeniable, but there are people who’ve been in the industry far longer, without the kind of international recognition he’s enjoying. It’s important to be humble.”
Rema has yet to directly respond to the backlash, but his team has released a statement clarifying that the artist’s comments were taken out of context and were part of a larger conversation about the challenges of sustaining success in the competitive music industry.
As the debate rages on, one thing is clear: Rema’s star continues to shine brightly, but his latest remarks have reignited the ongoing conversation about the pressure and expectations placed on young artists in today’s fast-paced music world.
source: Legit.ng