Rema Embraces ‘Prince of Afrobeats’ Title

Nigerian star Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has fully embraced the title “Prince of Afrobeats.” The nickname, given by fans and industry insiders rather than self-proclaimed, reflects his rapid rise and lasting influence on the genre since emerging in 2019.

In a widely discussed interview with producer Swizz Beatz for Rolling Stone, Rema reflected on his growth. Early in his career, he called himself “the future” of Afrobeats, an ambitious statement for a teenage artist from Benin City. Over time, his perspective changed. He now carries the “Prince of Afrobeats” title with pride, seeing it as recognition from the culture itself. “When the game, by itself, calls you ‘the prince of Afrobeats’… it’s like the universe has picked you,” he has said, highlighting the opportunities he’s gained in just a few years.

The title has become part of his public identity. At his Madison Square Garden debut in 2025 during the Heis World Tour, an announcer introduced him with flair: “He goes by many names! He is… Prince of Afrobeats, Rema!” His 2024 album HEIS, named after the Greek word for “number one,” further emphasized the claim, with a darker, more confident sound that reinforced his artistic identity.

Rema also stays true to his personal style by making music he enjoys. He often talks about starting with his own taste, not commercial goals or outside opinions. When discussing HEIS, he explained that the rise of Afrobeats worldwide had sometimes led artists to chase sounds aimed at international audiences. He intentionally rejected that mindset: “I’ll start with what I love. The rest of the world can catch up.”

In other interviews, he has reiterated this idea. “I never go into the studio thinking about what I need to do for them,” he said of fans. “I go in thinking about what I need to do for me, what I want to hear, what I enjoy.” Collaborators have described recording sessions that focus on vibe and feeling over chasing hits. Rema and producers like London and P.Priime prioritize making what they enjoy first.

This balanced approach, claiming (and embracing) the title of Prince of Afrobeats while maintaining creative independence, defines Rema’s current chapter. From hits like “Dumebi” to the record-breaking “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez, and the experimental style of HEIS, he has treated Afrobeats as a flexible base rather than a strict formula. His “Afro-rave” sound mixes Nigerian roots with trap, dancehall, house, and other influences on his own terms.

By owning both the royal nickname and his own creative process, Rema keeps pushing the genre’s boundaries. The prince isn’t waiting for permission; he’s creating the music he loves and inviting the world to meet him there.