Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, claims that every Afrobeats artist who has arisen since 2019 has followed the model he developed.
He made this statement during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, where he accused music business heavyweights of undervaluing his status.
The ‘Ozeba’ hitmaker also claimed to have started the trend of young artists releasing extended plays (EPs).
“When I came into the game [music industry], I brought a template. The way new artists come and dominate, mine was different. I started the EP trend. Every [new Afrobeats] artist since 2019 walked on that path like when you come out, you popped out with an EP,” Rema affirmed.
Rema stated that many people are reluctant to acknowledge his contributions to Afrobeats, so he feels the need to promote his own achievements.
“A lot of people would argue [my innovation in Afrobeats]. I don’t like to feel an Afrobeats Messiah.
“Sometimes, people don’t like young people applauding themselves. Sometimes, it’s not for you to say. Sometimes, it’s the truth but it’s just not for you to say.
“Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself,” he added.
