i-D Meets: Rema

i-D meets Nigerian Singer-Songwriter @heisrema - the artist behind Tik Tok’s viral Afrobeats song ‘Calm Down’ later remixed with Selena Gomez. He reflects on his whirlwind career thus far and how he plans to take the genre of ‘Afro-rave’ to a global audience. A self-confessed introvert, Rema holds great value to his alone time, something that helps him to, ‘glide through nothingness, just healing and recharging’.

Sharing his musical inspirations ranging from Lana Del Rey and ASAP Rocky to the world of K-Pop, Rema welcomes i-D into his world through art and gaming. He touches on his appreciation for Benin City, the place where he grew up and his own introduction to music, filled with car journey’s spent flicking through his dad’s CD’s. His passion that was nurtured by teaching kids to rap and rhyme in church has already evolved to unimaginable platforms. Here, Rema tells i-D how he’s coming to terms with his new reality.

00:00 - 00:20 - Intro
00:21 - 02:06 - Who is Rema
02:07 - 03:38 - Music
03:39 - 04:06 - Beat Direction
04:07 - 05:15 - Favourite Lyric
05:16 - 05:40 - Changing perspective

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#rema #calmdown #selenagomez

[i-D]

Who wants to hear Rema & Lana Del Rey collab'?

[lamar]

I’ve felt deeply connected to Rema since 2019 … i just felt the greatness, innovation 👏
It’s been an inspiring journey

[thealchemist]

He deserves every bit of success mayne…Been rocking with him since 2019🤞🏽🕊

[audreyjohnson]

I'm an OG, 73 years of age who loves music; all types of music. The younger generation in my family says that I know more about music than they do. Some have thanked me for introducing them to music they love.

Today, I shared "Calm Down" with my Goddaughter who is 29 years old. She had heard the song, but didn't know the artist. Now, she does. She Ghanaian and African American and loves "Tems" and the AfroBeats.
Anyway, I LOVE your music and you have quickly become one of my favorite artists. ✝️

[iamkijani]

Rema is a whole aesthetic, bro is just good at everything

[granpachu]

All of his answers are so refreshing. Imma need him to do more interviews.

[tegaosagie]

I feel really inspired by Rema and his works
He's a really talented person and deserve every single wins coming his way❤️

[quirjok]

Was so happy when he said, ”love is not a source of income." Since this has been my favorite line too from my favorite song from the album.

[midlady]

Rema, you're the best❤❤❤
No one can be your opponent👍🏻👍🏻

I am Korean
These days, I only listen to Rema music, not K-pop😂

[omeizasanni]

this guy was groomed properly... you can see the media training pop out of the screen... he understands his brand and its assignment

[pamgyang]

His answer on the love question is so real and true. Rema is deep.

[TERRIREAL]

Always repping Benin City to the max. Love It!

[avavisuals]

Loved seeing a more personal side of Remy boyy what a great interview

[adesanyagabriel]

The journey with Rema from his rise till now as been inspiring, refreshing and fun. He's unique in his craft and personality. I vibe hard with him and his story. The story continues Remy boy. Big ups

[josepholuwafemi]

That Matthew line was perfect...just perfect

[toritsefe]

🥺i love rema sm
Its like he was talking to me😭
And his voice is so relaxing wth😔❤️

[bashol]

Rema’s spirituality is so evident. This nigga is on a whole different level of greatness

[ogrtdii]

Rema listens K-pop, wow👍🏻👍🏻I’m a fan from Korea. I hope Rema collaborate with Korean singers😉😉

[monicajolivette]

Awesome interview Rema I have my favorites and he's one of them I love Afro Beats I listen to it everyday ❤💯🏆

[MusaNkone]

Definitely innovating afro beats, I really love his work.