Our 21st Gen Wizkid has arrived: 5 facts about #heisrema Rhema

Dumebi Dumebi kpalanga….
Eh Dumebi
Dumebi don go carry belle
Eh Dumebi
Le Kwa na  mi si, see Omoye
Come see Omoye, O baby oyoyo

If you know this song, then you may already know the young upcoming artist behind it – REMA aka Divine Ikubor.

Rema is not only gaining popularity in Nigeria’s mainstream music but also venturing into the USA thanks to ex-President Barrack Obama, who recently revealed Rema among his summer 2019 playlist with the track ‘Iron Man’.

Whilst Iron Man increased his popularity, ‘Dumebi’ is the track that has grabbed more people’s attention most likely because it vibes to both the young, the old, the intercontinental, cross-generational, you name it.

The track, the singer and his other music echoes the star-power path of Wizkid. Before he becomes our next mega superstar lets learn 5 clues about him

A little bio

DOB: 1st May 2000

Age: 18 years old

Place of birth: Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

Family: Mum of Igbo origin, a 21 year old sister – Anikole, an older brother who died 10 years ago.

An interesting fact: Rema once bought his mum a car after making his first millions

Before Dumebi…

Rema is currently signed to Don Jazzy’s Mavin records under D’Prince’s record label – Jonzing World since September 2018. He has since released a collection of track including Iron Man, Dumebi, Corny and Why.

Before these, Rema already made his first million performing at different shows with his co-star, Emmanual Princewill better know as Alpha P. They performed as the duo group – RnA – until as recently as February 2018.

And before RnA, Divine and Emmanuel were part of a bigger boy’s choir group from Christ Embassy church called 7th Dimension, who would later become RnA’s backing singers.

Something interesting about Dumebi

Recorded in just 2 days in August 2018, Dumebi has catapulted Rema into major stardom. 

The most catchy part of the song – which is the title itself, Dumebi – is an igbo name meaning God lives with me, and the lead young vixen who plays ‘Dumebi’ is 17 year old instagram sensation, Diana Chioma Eneje.

The video’s visual storyline follows a group of teenage friends who are going on a camping trip. One of the boys (Rema) is crushing on the other boy’s girlfriend (played by Fahd and Diana) while the remaining two girls (18 year old model and YouTuber, Amy Okoli and Temilade Wuraola Adewale) catch their own fun around the three-way lovers.

Must we tag him to Wizkid?

It is no coincidence that one RnA’s heavily publicised tracks was titled Starboy.

While Rema the rap artist is different from Wizkid high-life artist, his vibe, his age and audience appeal are a reminiscent of Wizkid’s once humble beginnings.

Some Dumebi lyrics translated to English 

The song’s lyrics is full of fun street slang with no deep flow or meaning.  It revolves around a young boy chatting up a girl he likes and sexually referencing what he will do to her. 

Rema used pidgin English, Yoruba, Igbo and Bini languages in this track. Here are some translated to English.

Nwanne – brotherly                                         

Kakara – fit, sexy                    

Okpekete – well-formed-curvy lady              

Konji – a hard on

Chekere – small, pert                                       

Omalicha – beautiful

Manya – get you drunk                                     

Don Carry Belle – she’s pregnant

Onome (unisex Urhobo name) – this one is my own                         

Imade – (girls Bini name) – I did not fall

Dumebi – (girls Igbo name) – God lives with me

Omoye – (girls Edo name) – the baby is right 

Omote – girl, chick