Nigerian music sensation Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has revealed that he pioneered the Extended Play (EP) trend in Nigeria’s music scene. An EP is a musical release that falls between a single and a full album in terms of track count.
In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the ‘Calm Down’ star shared his thoughts on his influence in the industry. Rema noted that while he has made a significant impact, some critics are reluctant to acknowledge the achievements of young artists like himself.
“I came into the music industry with a fresh approach,” Rema said. “I introduced the EP trend, which many new Afrobeats artists have since followed. My approach was unique, and it set a new standard for how emerging artists release their music.”
Despite some criticism, Rema downplayed any claims of being a messiah of Afrobeats. “I’m not here to label myself as a savior of Afrobeats,” he explained. “Sometimes, people are hesitant to celebrate young artists, and while it might be uncomfortable to boast about one’s achievements, if the older generation isn’t stepping up, then I guess I have to.”
Rema’s trailblazing efforts have reshaped how new artists approach their music careers, proving his role as a key influencer in the evolution of Afrobeats.
