Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Rema, said he would want to work with artists from India and combine their native music with Afrobeats because he is a huge lover of Indian music.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is currently touring India as part of his “Rema Calm Down” tour. He has already performed in Delhi, and on Saturday, May 13, he will perform in Mumbai before playing in Hyderabad on Sunday, May 14.
“Indian music has very emotional vocals and I can keep listening to it. I’ve been playing a lot of Indian music since I landed in India… I love AR Rahman,” Rema told PTI in an interview.
“Back home we have a lot of love and respect for India and all of its creative talent. I want to produce a new sound that merges Afrobeats and Indian music, that’s the way forward,” he added.
The 23-year-old claimed that on his first trip to India, he was greeted in an incredibly “warm and vibrant” manner, starting with paparazzi at the airport and continuing with receiving a turban tied on his head.
“I had pretty garlands all around my neck, got someone to tie a turban on my head and put a red bindi on my forehead. Some dancers were performing to ‘Calm Down’ in their own Indian folk way. The love here in India is really huge and I am very excited to play for the audience here.”
After arriving in Mumbai on Tuesday, Rema met fashion designer Manish Malhotra, who hosted him and forced him to taste some traditional Indian foods like vada pav and chicken tikka rolls, before taking a flight to Delhi for his debut performance.
“I’m loving how truly hospitable the people of India are. I’ve met some amazing musicians like Badshah and influencers. I got to also go live from the IPL stadium.
“Since childhood I know India is a place of high cultural values and religion as well. Indians are really kind, loving and amazing. I feel honoured, privileged and extremely happy to be here,” he added.
“I’m loving how truly hospitable the people of India are. I’ve met some amazing musicians like Badshah and influencers. I got to also go live from the IPL stadium.
“Since childhood I know India is a place of high cultural values and religion as well. Indians are really kind, loving and amazing. I feel honoured, privileged and extremely happy to be here,” he added.
On the influence of Social madia
Rema said.”When I posted my first freestyle (video) on social media, that kind of got me the attention from my label. Social media helped me reach a wider audience and engage with fans all across the world.
“Without it, I wouldn’t have even known how popular my music is in India. Social media is a very good tool to actually gauge your receptiveness and popularity.”
On his collaboration with Selena Gomez
Rema said he first met Gomez, an American pop artiste, when she attended one of his performances in the US.
“She came to my show and it was a very healthy and beautiful relationship. Working on the song was very easy and simple. She was very communicative about it, keen on the idea of this song, and wanted to make sure that she complimented my verse. Her voice is just perfect,” he added.
Rema began his musical career in 2019 and has since released songs including “Dumebi,” “Iron Man,” “Lady,” and “Bad Commando” that have gained popularity both in his native Nigeria and abroad.
Rema is currently riding the wave of his frenetic and joyful hit “Calm Down,” released in 2022, which blended hip-hop, pop and Afrobeats,
‘Rema Calm Down India Tour 2023’ is presented and produced by Offline Guys, Yuvraj Entertainment, Grid Entertainment in collaboration with Afrodesh.
