Rema, the name synonymous with the new wave of Afrobeats, dropped his highly awaited sophomore album, HEIS, on July 11. With the release still rippling across the global music scene, HEIS is poised to be a landmark record. But Rema’s story is more than just an album release. It’s a testament to the transformative power of streaming platforms and the rise of a young star determined to reshape Afrobeats.

Just a few years ago, Rema was a teenager uploading music on Instagram. Discovered by industry heavyweight Don Jazzy, he was signed to Mavin Records and rocketed to fame with singles like Iron Man and Dumebi. His sound was fresh, a unique blend of Afrobeats with elements of rap and soul. His voice, a captivating blend of youthful urgency and soulful maturity, resonated with audiences across Africa.

Streaming platforms like Apple Music and Spotify played a crucial role in this meteoric rise. They provided a global platform for Rema’s music, bypassing traditional geographical barriers. Suddenly, a young man from Benin City, Nigeria, was captivating listeners in Lagos, London, and Los Angeles. He wasn’t just another Afrobeats artiste; he was a testament to the genre’s boundless potential.
HEIS, an acronym for “Have Enough Money Saved,” is more than just a collection of songs. It’s a culmination of Rema’s artistic evolution. While staying true to his Afrobeats roots, the album showcases a newfound maturity in his songwriting and production. Tracks like ‘Calm Down’ simmer with infectious energy, while ‘Time Flies’ explores vulnerability with poignant honesty.

Though HEIS is primarily a solo effort, it does feature two noteworthy collaborations. ‘Benin Boys’ finds Rema teaming up with fellow Nigerian artiste, Shallipopi, celebrating their shared roots and resilience. On ‘War Machine’, Rema joins forces with Odumodublvck, a rising star in the Afrobeats scene. These collaborations add a touch of variety to the album while highlighting Rema’s ability to connect with other talented artists.

The evidence of Rema’s global appeal is undeniable. In the last year alone, his music has been added to a staggering 28.1 million playlists on Spotify, and his tracks have been saved to users’ libraries an impressive 24.3 million times. This isn’t just passive listening; it’s a deep engagement with his music. Further underlining this connection, data shows his audience leans slightly female, with 52 per cent female listeners and 44 per cent male listeners. Younger adults are particularly drawn to his sound, with 26 per cent of his listeners falling between 23-27 years old and another 25 per cent in the 28-34 age group.

Rema’s music transcends borders. While Nigeria remains a stronghold, his top streams in the last 28 days came from a diverse range of countries, including the United States, Mexico, France, United Kingdom, Brazil, India, Germany, Canada, and Spain. This global audience is a testament to the power of Afrobeats and Rema’s unique ability to bridge cultures.

Looking at his most streamed songs over the past year further illustrates this point. ‘Calm Down’, his collaboration with global superstar Selena Gomez, sits at the top of the list, followed by the solo version of Calm Down. Other tracks like ‘BUBALU’ and ‘Soundgasm’ showcase Rema’s own artistic power, while ‘Soweto’ by Victony featuring Rema and others highlights his collaborative prowess. Fan favorites like ‘Dumebi’ and ‘DND’ round out the top 10, proving his enduring popularity.

To celebrate the release of ‘HEIS’, Mavin, in collaboration with Spotify, hosted an exclusive listening party for music fans. The event provided an immersive setting for fans to dive deep into Rema’s music, and Rema himself delivered an energetic performance, further solidifying his connection with his audience.

Rema’s story is far from over. With HEIS, he has cemented his place as a global Afrobeats ambassador. His phenomenal rise is a beacon of hope for aspiring artists across Africa, a testament to the power of talent, dedication, and the global reach of streaming platforms. As Rema continues to redefine Afrobeats, one thing remains certain: the world is listening, and they’re captivated.