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Rema talks about his quick success and Status as an Afrobeats legend.
Afrobeats sensation Rema recently opened up about the challenges he faces in gaining full recognition for his meteoric rise in the music industry.
Despite his global success, some individuals, he claims, are hesitant to fully acknowledge his achievements.
Since the worldwide success of his hit single “Calm Down,” Rema has secured his spot as a leading voice in the Afrobeats movement. Both his EP Ravage and sophomore album HEIS showcase his bold aspirations, including his bid to be counted among the revered “Afrobeats Big 3,” a title held by Davido, Wizkid, and Burna Boy.
During an interview on The Breakfast Club, Rema expressed that his quick rise to stardom might have contributed to the reluctance to recognize him as one of the greats.
“I think the success came too quickly; some people wish I didn’t achieve it so fast,” he shared when asked if he deserves a spot alongside Davido, Burna Boy, and Wizkid.
He continued, “You know, they want to give you respect, but it’s like you need to be 10 years in the game. My career didn’t follow those rules—I was breaking records that had stood for seven years, just three years into my career.”
Rema also emphasized that while he respects the legends of the genre, he firmly believes he’s earned his place among them: “With respect to the OGs, but I am one of them.”
In the interview, he also discussed his latest album HEIS, which reflects his ambition to push boundaries and challenge the status quo in Afrobeats.