Rema Before Fame: His Biography, Hustle Story & Early Life Journey
Rema Before Fame: His Biography, Hustle Story & Early Life Journey
Discover Rema’s inspiring biography before fame. Explore his early life, struggles, and journey from Benin City to global stardom in the Nigerian music industry.
Before international hits like Calm Down and Dumebi made him a global sensation, Rema was just another determined boy from the streets of Benin City, Nigeria. His rise wasn’t overnight—it was fueled by passion, pain, and relentless hustle. In this article, we take a deep dive into Rema’s biography before fame, his struggles, family background, and how he carved his path to success.
Who is Rema?
Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is a Nigerian Afrobeat and trap artist signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records. Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Rema quickly captured the attention of music lovers with his unique sound and style.
Rema’s Early Life and Background
Childhood and Family
Rema was born into a Christian family and raised in the streets of Benin City, South-South Nigeria. He lost his father and elder brother at a young age—a heartbreaking experience that later influenced his music and emotional depth.
“I lost my brother and dad in the same year. I was depressed and angry. Music helped me heal.” — Rema in a 2020 interview.
His mother, a strong and supportive woman, worked tirelessly to take care of the family. Rema often speaks of her sacrifice and how she supported his creative pursuits, even when resources were limited.
Education
Rema attended Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State. While he was active in class, his true passion lay elsewhere—in music, art, and creativity. Even during school hours, he would often sketch designs or write rap lyrics in his notebook.
The Hustle Story: Rema Before the Spotlight
Early Musical Influences
Rema grew up listening to a mix of gospel, Afrobeat, hip-hop, and trap. His early influences included 2Face Idibia, P-Square, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Drake. He started rapping in church at the age of 11 and was part of a gospel rap group called “Rap Nation.”
“I started from the church. That’s where I found my voice and confidence.” — Rema
Street Hustle and Freestyling
After losing his father and brother, Rema had to hustle to survive. He washed cars, did odd jobs, and saved money to buy studio time. He never allowed his financial struggles to stop his dreams. With a combination of raw talent and social media savvy, Rema began posting freestyles on Instagram.
One of these freestyles—a viral take on D’Prince’s track “Gucci Gang”—would change his life forever.
How Rema Got Discovered
Instagram to Mavin Records
In 2018, Rema posted a freestyle video of himself vibing to D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang.” The video caught D’Prince’s attention, and the Mavin Records affiliate reached out to him. Months later, Rema was flown to Lagos and offered a recording deal.
By 2019, he officially signed to Jonzing World, under the leadership of D’Prince, and subsequently became part of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records family.
Breakthrough with Dumebi
A Viral Debut
Rema’s debut single “Dumebi” dropped in March 2019 and instantly became a hit. The track topped charts and introduced his genre-blending style—Afrobeat, trap, and Indian vibes. The success of Dumebi launched him into mainstream attention both in Nigeria and globally.
Awards and Recognition
By the end of 2019, Rema had already:
- Won Next Rated Artist at The Headies
- Been nominated for several international awards
- Performed on global platforms like Apple Music’s Up Next
What Makes Rema Stand Out?
Unique Sound
Rema calls his genre “Afrorave”—a fusion of Afrobeat with Arabian and Indian sounds. His sonic experimentation sets him apart in a crowded industry.
Visual Style and Branding
From braided hair to anime-inspired fashion, Rema’s brand identity appeals to Gen Z worldwide. His visuals, lyrics, and energy create an immersive experience for fans.
Inspirational Quotes from Rema
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“I had no one to rely on but my dream.”
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“Losing people made me value time, and I knew I had to make it count.”
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“This is deeper than music—this is survival.”
FAQs About Rema’s Early Life
1. Where is Rema from originally?
Rema hails from Benin City, Edo State, in the southern part of Nigeria.
2. Did Rema start from church music?
Yes, Rema began rapping and singing in his local church as part of a gospel group.
3. What challenges did Rema face before fame?
He lost his father and brother, faced financial struggles, and had to do menial jobs while still chasing his music career.
4. How did Rema get famous?
Rema became famous after his Instagram freestyle to “Gucci Gang” went viral and caught the attention of D’Prince, leading to a record deal with Mavin Records.
5. What was Rema’s breakout song?
His breakout song was “Dumebi,” released in 2019.
Conclusion
Rema’s story is more than just music—it’s a blueprint of hustle, loss, talent, and divine timing. From the streets of Benin to world tours and Billboard charts, his journey is a powerful reminder that dreams are valid, no matter where you start. His biography before fame is rich with lessons for young creatives, and his story is still being written with each beat, verse, and performance.
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#RemaBiography #NigerianMusic #Afrobeat #RemaBeforeFame #InspirationStories #MusicHustle
