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Rema says he wants to take Afrobeats back to its roots with his new album ‘HEIS’
Nigerian superstar Rema has provided insights into the creative inspiration behind his recently released second album, ‘HEIS‘. Since bursting onto the mainstream in 2019, Rema has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most audacious and talented artists.
This creative boldness is evident in his sophomore album ‘HEIS‘, where he employs uptempo party-starting production, rapid-fire delivery, and quintessential Afrobeats lyricism while embracing Rockstar aesthetics.
Speaking at his album launch party in London, Rema voiced concerns about the direction of Afrobeats, noting a trend towards simplification to chase globally appealing hits. He expressed worry that this trend could dilute the genre and make it easier for others to replicate and even win Afrobeats awards.
Here’s a longer version of @heisrema thoughts on Afrobeats and why #HEIS was necessary to bring the genre back to its roots! pic.twitter.com/7LoYS1x3IE
— No stress ELLE 🐘 (@ElleErinle) July 17, 2024
“We all remember what Afrobeats was like in 2015, and we need to reclaim it and protect it,” Rema asserted during the London event.
Rema pointed out how global influences on Afrobeats can lead to its simplification, making it easier for foreign artists to emulate. He emphasized this with reference to his single “Ozeba” from ‘HEIS’, which he sees as an effort to reconnect Afrobeats with its original sonic roots.
During the listening party, Rema performed tracks from ‘HEIS’, an album that has sparked diverse reactions. Some view it as a bold experimentation, while others have varied opinions on its overall quality and impact.
Rema performs “OZEBA” live at the HEIS Release Party in London 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/BQ3H9fKDGc
— TurnTable Charts (@TurntableCharts) July 17, 2024
Rema’s stance underscores his commitment to preserving and evolving Afrobeats while challenging its global trajectory towards mainstream appeal. His artistic journey continues to provoke thought and discussion within the music industry and among fans worldwide.