Rema Claims His Song Created Afrobeats Award Category

Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, has suggested that the creation of an Afrobeats category at some international awards is directly linked to the success of his hit song, “Calm Down.”

In a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, Rema confidently placed himself alongside Afrobeats stars like Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

“I don’t want to come across as an Afrobeats Messiah,” Rema said. “Sometimes I wish the OGs would acknowledge it, but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself. Respect to the OGs, but yeah, I am one of the Big 4. The success of my song has already opened doors, even leading major award shows to create an Afrobeats category.”

It’s worth noting that the MTV Video Music Awards introduced a Best Afrobeats Song category last year, with “Calm Down Remix” featuring Selena Gomez winning the inaugural award.