In a candid conversation with Rolling Stone, the 24-year-old addressed his previous statement about Nigeria’s top four musicians, which notably included himself. Rema explained that his belief in his greatness is rooted in his hard work, dedication, and undeniable contributions to the music industry.
“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,” he said.
Rema also drew a comparison to rapper Kendrick Lamar’s famous diss track, where Lamar declared, “It’s just big me.” However, Rema clarified that his approach is different. He isn’t tearing others down but rather advocating for unity within the Afrobeats genre.
“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,” he explained.
A Call for Confidence and Unity
Rema’s comments highlight the fine line between self-confidence and arrogance, especially in an industry where artists are often judged for celebrating their achievements. By acknowledging his place among Afrobeats’ elite, Rema isn’t dismissing his peers but rather asserting his belief in his own hard-earned success.
His message also underscores the importance of unity within the Afrobeats community, as the genre continues to gain global recognition. Rema’s confidence serves as an inspiration for young artists to own their achievements while uplifting others in the process.