Nigerian Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has addressed the ongoing debate about his self-confidence, making it clear that his strong belief in himself should not be mistaken for arrogance.
The "Calm Down" crooner recently sparked controversy after asserting that he considers himself one of Afrobeats’ greatest artistes. His statement led to mixed reactions from fans and industry figures, with some interpreting it as arrogance, while others saw it as a display of self-assurance.
In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Rema defended his stance, explaining that his confidence is a result of years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence in the music industry.
He questioned why some people take issue with him acknowledging his own success, emphasizing that confidence should not be viewed as a negative trait but rather as a healthy mindset for an artist.
“So on Heis, I was talking a lot of s**t. It is not cocky. It is like, what stops you from saying you’re the best? You can say it and stand your ground. It is even humble to say four,” Rema stated during the interview.
The 24-year-old singer further referenced American rapper Kendrick Lamar’s recent diss track, noting that unlike Lamar’s statement, “It’s just big me,” which suggested self-elevation at the expense of others, he was not trying to diminish anyone. Instead, he was advocating for the unity and growth of the Afrobeats industry.
“I didn’t pull down the two, I didn’t pull down the three. I just see myself as one of the greats, and it’s a problem. I’m not saying ‘oh f**k everybody.’ I really vouch for the unity of Afrobeats,” Rema added, reinforcing that his words should be seen as motivation rather than arrogance.