“I started the EP trend, everyone followed” – Singer Rema claims

• Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, asserts that every Afrobeats artist since 2019 has followed his established blueprint.

• In a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, he accused the big names in the music industry of belittling his status.

• The ‘Ozeba’ artist claimed to have initiated the trend of new artists releasing an extended play (EP).

Nigerian artist Divine Ikubor, widely recognized as Rema, asserts that every Afrobeats musician who has emerged since 2019 has adhered to the framework he created.

He expressed this viewpoint during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, where he criticized prominent figures in the music industry for undermining his significance.

The artist behind the hit ‘Ozeba’ also claimed to have pioneered the trend of new artists launching their careers with an extended play (EP).

“When I came into the game [music industry], I brought a template. The way new artists come and dominate, mine was different. I started the EP trend. Every [new Afrobeats] artist since 2019 walked on that path like when you come out, you popped out with an EP,” Rema affirmed.

He further noted that many individuals are hesitant to recognize his influence on Afrobeats, prompting him to feel compelled to highlight his own accomplishments.

“A lot of people would argue [my innovation in Afrobeats]. I don’t like to feel an Afrobeats Messiah.

“Sometimes, people don’t like young people applauding themselves. Sometimes, it’s not for you to say. Sometimes, it’s the truth but it’s just not for you to say.

“Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself,” he added.

“A lot of people would argue [my innovation in Afrobeats]. I don’t like to feel an Afrobeats Messiah.

“Sometimes, people don’t like young people applauding themselves. Sometimes, it’s not for you to say. Sometimes, it’s the truth but it’s just not for you to say.

“Sometimes I can’t wait for the OGs to say it but since no one is saying it, I might have to say it myself,” he added.