Award-winning Nigerian singer Rema has boldly proclaimed himself as the trailblazer of the modern Afrobeats sound, asserting that many new artists since 2019 have followed his lead. During a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club, the “Calm Down” hitmaker confidently stated that his unique approach to music set the tone for a new wave in the Afrobeats genre.
Rema credited his influence to the release of his debut EP in 2019, which he claims introduced a fresh template for Afrobeats, particularly with the trend of releasing extended plays (EPs). “When I dropped my first EP, it was different. No one was doing it like that,” he explained. According to Rema, this strategy allowed him to break into the global scene quickly while giving emerging artists a roadmap to success.
He also highlighted how his sound, blending Afrobeats with elements of trap, pop, and other genres, created a distinctive style that younger artists have since emulated. “Every new artist who’s come out after 2019 has used that blueprint,” Rema asserted, positioning himself as a key innovator in the Afrobeats movement.
While his statements have sparked conversations about his impact, there’s no denying that Rema has played a significant role in pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats, helping the genre gain more international recognition. His genre-blending approach and EP-first strategy have influenced many up-and-coming artists, establishing him as a prominent voice in the global music scene.
With such bold declarations, Rema continues to cement his legacy as not just a chart-topping artist, but as a pivotal figure shaping the future of Afrobeats.
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