Rema In Japan 2025 to perform as a headliner in the country’s first-ever Afrojam festival. Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has quickly ascended to the forefront of the Afrobeats genre, becoming a global ambassador for Nigerian music. Born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria, Rema’s journey into music was shaped by personal tragedy and determination. After losing his father and brother, he took on significant responsibilities at a young age. However, this fueled his drive to succeed in music. His early career was marked by a viral freestyle over D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” in 2018. This later led to a record deal with Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records.
Rema’s breakout came with his 2019 single “Dumebi,” which introduced his unique blend of Afrobeats with trap and pop influences. This was when the term “Afrorave” for his music style was coined. This track, along with others like “Iron Man,” caught international attention, notably when “Iron Man” was featured on Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist. His meteoric rise continued with the release of his debut album “Rave & Roses” in 2022. The album included the massive hit “Calm Down.” The Selena Gomez remix of “Calm Down” became a global sensation, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and holding the top spot on the U.S. Billboard Afrobeats Songs chart for 58 weeks.
His subsequent releases, including the EP “Ravage” in 2023 and the album “Heis” in 2024, have solidified his status as an innovative force in music, earning him nominations like the Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards. Rema’s music often reflects his cultural heritage. Also, it is a blend of traditional elements with modern global sounds. Making him a bridge for African music to reach new audiences worldwide.
Afro Jam Japan 2025
In a landmark event for Afrobeats, Rema is set to headline Japan’s first-ever Afrobeats festival, “Afro Jam,” scheduled for July 2025 at the Okinawa Arena from July 19 to 20. This festival represents a significant global expansion in the genre, highlighting its growing influence and popularity in Asia. Rema’s selection as the headliner not only underscores his impact but also his role in introducing African culture to diverse audiences through music.
Afro Jam will feature a vibrant lineup, with additional international stars like Jason Derulo and Shenseea. This lineup promise a celebration of Afrobeats through electrifying performances, cultural exchange, and community building. This festival aims to be more than a musical event. It’s a cultural bridge fostering understanding and appreciation between Africa and Japan. With Rema’s dynamic stage presence and his history of captivating audiences, his performance at Afro Jam is anticipated to be a memorable experience, showcasing the infectious rhythms and melodies that define his music.
The excitement around Rema’s appearance at Afro Jam has sparked conversations across social media platforms. With many expressing both surprise and joy at the genre’s reach into the Japanese market. His strategic approach to international markets, seen previously in his successful tour of India, positions this performance as another step in his ongoing journey to globalize Afrobeats.
This event marks a new chapter for Rema. Adding to his already impressive list of achievements, including performances at major festivals like Coachella in 2025, where he’ll share the stage with other African artists like Seun Kuti. Rema’s involvement in Afro Jam is not just a testament to his rising star status but also to the genre’s unstoppable momentum on the world stage.
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