Exploring Rema's Roots: Is Rema Igbo? Unpacking His Heritage

Delilah Mertz I

18 Jul, 2025

Detail Author:

Name : Delilah Mertz I
Username : blarkin
Email : helen01@dibbert.com
Birthdate : 1990-07-13
Address : 959 Lehner Road Milesbury, RI 02453
Phone : 804.496.0988
Company : Emmerich PLC
Job : Cashier
Bio : In accusamus in et quasi saepe reprehenderit. Sit voluptas cumque suscipit consequuntur qui. Voluptatibus sed est qui.

Socials

facebook:

url : https://facebook.com/ehamill
username : ehamill
bio : Sit harum in enim neque. Blanditiis voluptatem minima quis culpa debitis.
followers : 1059
following : 2885

instagram:

url : https://instagram.com/hamill1988
username : hamill1988
bio : Sed ab id vel eligendi eos. Illo eum vero nesciunt aut cupiditate. Quo sed itaque quisquam est.
followers : 4043
following : 69

Have you ever found yourself humming along to a Rema track, perhaps "Calm Down" or "Dumebi," and wondered a bit about the artist behind the global sound? It's a natural thing, really, to be curious about the background of someone who creates such captivating music. People often ask, you know, about the origins of their favorite stars, and for Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, one question that often comes up is: "Is Rema Igbo?" It's a query that sparks interest among fans and those keen to understand the diverse tapestry of Nigerian talent.

Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has truly made a significant mark in the world of Nigerian music, and indeed, on the global stage. His journey, from humble beginnings to becoming an internationally recognized artist, is quite something. He gained recognition with his 2019 song "Dumebi," which, you know, just took off, and that same year, he signed with D'Prince's record label, Jonzing World. Then, in 2022, his single "Calm Down" really shot him into the international spotlight, especially with that remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez, which peaked at number three on the Billboard Hot 100.

So, as we look closer at Rema's story, we'll try to piece together what we know about his background, specifically addressing the question of his heritage. We'll explore his early life, his beginnings in music, and what available information tells us about his roots. It's an interesting way, actually, to get to know a bit more about the artist who inspires so many young people in Nigeria and beyond to chase their own dreams and, well, challenge societal expectations.

Rema's Journey: A Biography
Unpacking Rema's Heritage: Is He Igbo?
- What the Information Tells Us
Rema's Impact Beyond His Roots
Frequently Asked Questions About Rema

Rema's Journey: A Biography

Rema, whose full name is Divine Ikubor, has quite a compelling story that truly showcases resilience and immense talent. He was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. This detail about his birthplace is, you know, quite specific and gives us a clear starting point for his life's journey.

His early years were spent in Benin City, where he also attended school. He did his primary and high school studies at the Ighile Group of Schools, which is located in Edo State. It's interesting to note, too, that even during his secondary school days, Rema was already performing at school events, showcasing a talent that, in a way, paved the way for his future.

He started his music career performing in churches with his collaborator Alpha P, which is a rather humble beginning for someone who would later achieve such global fame. This early experience, you know, probably helped him hone his singing and rapping skills as a youngster, preparing him for what was to come.

Rema gained significant recognition after posting a viral freestyle on Instagram to D'Prince's song "Gucci Gang." It was this very freestyle that caught the eye of D'Prince, who, after seeing the video, signed Rema to his record label, Jonzing World, in 2019. This was a pivotal moment, really, in his career.

Personal Details and Bio Data

Full Name	Divine Ikubor
Professional Name	Rema
Date of Birth	May 1, 2000
Age (as of 2023)	22 years old
Zodiac Sign	Taurus
Birthplace	Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Nationality	Nigerian
Height	5 feet 9 inches (average height)
Occupation	Singer, Songwriter, Rapper, Influencer, Stage Performer, Recording Artist, Model
Record Label	Jonzing World (signed 2019)
Notable Songs	"Dumebi," "Calm Down," "Iron Man"
Estimated Net Worth (2025)	Over $1 million
Education	Primary and Secondary school at Ighile Group of Schools, Edo State

Early Life and Roots in Benin City

Rema's early life, as we know it, began in Benin City, Edo State. This is a very important detail when we consider his background. He was born into a Christian household, and it's clear that his formative years were spent in this vibrant Nigerian city.

His education, too, was rooted in Edo State, as he attended the Ighile Group of Schools there for both his primary and secondary studies. It's almost as if his entire early development, you know, was deeply connected to this region.

The fact that he started his music journey performing in churches in Benin City, alongside Alpha P, really paints a picture of his local beginnings. This period was, in a way, his training ground, where he developed the skills that would later make him a global sensation.

His story is, quite frankly, a testament to resilience, talent, and global impact, starting from what were, perhaps, humble beginnings in Edo State. His journey, you know, really inspires a generation of young people.

The Rise to Stardom

Rema's rise to stardom was, in some respects, swift and truly remarkable. After that viral Instagram freestyle, he signed with Jonzing World in 2019. That same year, his song "Dumebi" became a massive hit, which was a clear sign of his emerging talent.

He quickly became known for his unique sound within the Afrobeats genre. His music, you know, has a certain quality that resonates with many listeners. He even had a song, "Iron Man," appear on Barack Obama's 2019 playlist, which is a pretty big deal for any artist.

The true international breakthrough, however, came with his 2022 single "Calm Down." This song, especially its remix with Selena Gomez, really propelled him onto the global stage, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100. It's quite something, actually, to see an artist from Benin City achieve such worldwide recognition.

"Calm Down" has become one of the biggest Afrobeats songs on Spotify, having hit over 2 billion streams, which is, you know, an incredible achievement. This success has solidified Rema's position as one of the most popular musicians in Nigeria and Africa, and arguably, a major player in global music. Learn more about Rema on our site.

Unpacking Rema's Heritage: Is He Igbo?

Now, let's get to the question that many people are curious about: "Is Rema Igbo?" This is a very common question, and it's important to look at the available information to provide a clear answer based on what we know.

The information we have about Rema's background consistently states his place of birth and early life. He was born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. This detail is mentioned repeatedly in his biography and personal information.

Edo State is located in the South-South geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The dominant ethnic group in Edo State is the Edo people, also known as the Bini people, who speak the Edo language. While Nigeria is home to a vast array of ethnic groups, including the Igbo people primarily found in the South-East, Rema's documented origin points specifically to Edo State.

So, when we consider the question of whether Rema is Igbo, we must rely solely on the details provided about his heritage. It's quite clear that his roots are firmly planted in Benin City, Edo State.

What the Information Tells Us

Based on all the details available, Rema's real name is Divine Ikubor, and he was born in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. The provided information consistently highlights his origin from Edo State. It doesn't, however, explicitly state his specific ethnic group beyond his Nigerian nationality and Edo State birth.

Therefore, while the question "Is Rema Igbo?" is a valid one, the available biographical information about him does not confirm an Igbo heritage. Instead, it points to his origins in Edo State, which is distinct from the primary Igbo-speaking regions of Nigeria. This is, you know, a key distinction to make when discussing his background.

His journey from Benin City to international stages truly underscores the diverse talent that emerges from various parts of Nigeria. It's a story that, in a way, transcends specific ethnic labels, focusing more on the artist's incredible talent and global reach. You can find more details about his career and impact here.

Rema's Impact Beyond His Roots

Rema's influence extends far beyond his musical achievements; he's truly become a role model for many. His story, from a young boy performing in Benin City to a global music icon, is very inspiring. He shows young people in Nigeria and all over the world that it's possible to pursue their dreams and, well, challenge societal expectations.

He's often cited as one of the richest young artists, and his success, you know, comes from his music and brand endorsements. This financial success, combined with his artistic achievements, provides a tangible example for aspiring artists.

Rema's biography is, in a way, a powerful testament to resilience, talent, and global impact. His journey, starting from what were, perhaps, humble beginnings in Edo State, really inspires a whole generation of young people. He demonstrates that with dedication, anything is possible, which is a powerful message for anyone.

His music, too, has sparked conversations about the broader Afrobeats genre. Rema has even coined his own name for his sound, which, you know, shows his innovative spirit and desire to define his artistic expression. This kind of creative leadership is, actually, quite important for the evolution of music.

He has, in a way, overcome a tragic past to reach where he is today, which adds another layer to his inspiring story. His ability to turn personal challenges into motivation for success makes him a very relatable figure for many young people facing their own struggles.

His global recognition, including his collaborations and chart performance, also highlights the increasing reach of African music. Rema is, basically, at the forefront of this movement, showing the world the richness and diversity of sounds coming from the continent. For more on the global reach of Afrobeats, you might want to check out articles on music industry trends, perhaps from a reputable source like Billboard.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rema

Where is Rema from?

Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, is from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He was born there on May 1, 2000, and spent his early life and received his primary and secondary education in the same state. His roots are very much connected to this part of Nigeria, which is, you know, an important piece of his story.

What is Rema's real name?

Rema's real name is Divine Ikubor. He chose "Rema" as his professional stage name, which is, in a way, a common practice for artists to create a distinct identity. But, you know, his birth name is Divine Ikubor, and that's what he was born with on May 1, 2000.

How old is Rema?

Rema was born on May 1, 2000. So, as of 2023, he was 22 years old. He's a relatively young artist who has achieved a great deal in a short amount of time, which is, honestly, quite impressive. His zodiac sign is Taurus, too, for those who are interested in that sort of thing.