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Rema Responds to Backlash: Clarifies Comment and Reaffirms Love for Nigerian Music
Award-winning singer and performer Rema has set the record straight on a misinterpreted statement regarding Nigerian artists and cultural representation.
The Afrobeats star recently addressed a misleading tweet by Album Talks, which suggested that he criticized fellow Afrobeats artists for not embracing their heritage. The tweet misquoted his interview with Dazed, sparking unnecessary controversy.
Rema swiftly responded, clarifying that his remarks were solely about being one of the few mainstream artists from Benin City, Nigeria—not a critique of the industry.
He directly refuted the misrepresentation by quoting the tweet and stating, “In context of being one of the very few mainstream Artists from Benin. Stop the 🧢.”
In his original Dazed interview, Rema passionately spoke about his dedication to representing his roots. He highlighted the uniqueness of his journey, noting that unlike artists from other regions, very few from Benin City have achieved global recognition. This, he explained, fuels his drive to proudly showcase his culture on the world stage.
He had said, “Unlike other…cultures, there aren’t many of us repping where we’re from, you know what I mean? So I feel like I have to bring it every time with me. Still I can’t stop to…”
With this clarification, Rema reaffirms his commitment to his heritage while shutting down any misconceptions about his views on Afrobeats artists.
In context of being one of the very few mainstream Artists from Benin. Stop the 🧢 https://t.co/t7ToNTOonk pic.twitter.com/iG0hm6Zywz
— REMA (@heisrema) March 1, 2025