Rema Opens Up on Early Fame, Says He Was Drugged by Women as a Teen

Rema Opens Up on Early Fame, Says He Was Drugged by Women as a Teen

Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, has shared a troubling part of his early life, saying he was exposed to harmful experiences soon after rising to fame. The artist made the revelation through the lyrics of a new song, giving fans a glimpse into the emotional weight he carried as a young star.

Rema first gained attention in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records and releasing his debut EP at just 19. His fast rise in the music industry brought him success, but he now says it also came with personal struggles that many people did not see.

In his latest track titled “Moviestar,” a collaboration with French musician Sofiane Pamart, the 25-year-old singer revealed that he was drugged by women when he was younger. The song reflects his feelings about that period and how it shaped his life.

He sings, “Girls always give me drugs.

My happiness is zipped in their little purse

Friends always make me feel robbed….”

Through the lyrics, Rema also shared that fans may not fully understand his pain because they are not aware of how early he entered the spotlight. He suggested that being thrust into fame at a young age left him dealing with situations he was not prepared for.

The singer went on to explain that after signing his record deal, it became difficult to step away. According to him, there was pressure to keep performing and entertaining fans, even when he was struggling emotionally.

Rema’s revelation sheds light on the hidden challenges that can come with early success in the music industry. While fans often see the fame and achievements, his story points to the personal battles behind the scenes. As he continues to release music, listeners may gain a deeper understanding of his journey and the experiences that shaped him.

Davido Says His Kids Will Work in Family Business, Not Entertainment Industry

Davido Says His Kids Will Work in Family Business, Not Entertainment Industry

Popular Afrobeats star Davido has opened up about his plans for his children’s future, saying he would rather see them work in the family business than follow his path in the entertainment industry.

The singer made the statement during a recent interview on The Breakfast Club, where he spoke about his upbringing, career journey, and family values.

According to Davido, his decision is shaped by the challenges he faced while trying to build his music career, especially during a time when his father did not support his choice.

He explained that working within the business empire of his father, Deji Adeleke, would offer his children a more stable and easier path in life.

During the interview, the host asked whether he would like his children to join the entertainment industry or work with their grandfather. Davido responded:

“Omo, go and work with my dad. Every Christmas, my dad takes all the grandkids with him. And I could just see that upon all the things he has including multiple private jets and all that, his happiness is him seeing his grandchildren.

“And my father is single. So I just saw his happiness and I’m like meh, this is like what life is all about. My dad not wanting me in the entertainment really killed my joy until he saw that this boy is really adamant about doing this. I wouldn’t want to do that to my kids as well. My daughter is already singing and dancing,” he said.

Despite his preference, the singer made it clear that he would not stand in the way if any of his children decide to pursue entertainment. His comments reflect a balance between wanting an easier life for them and allowing them to follow their passions.

Davido’s rise to fame was not without challenges, even with his privileged background. His story has often highlighted the tension between personal ambition and family expectations, something he now appears to approach differently as a parent.

Davido’s remarks show how his past experiences continue to shape his decisions as a father. While he hopes his children choose a more stable path in the family business, he is also open to supporting their dreams if they choose entertainment.

As his children grow, it remains to be seen whether they will follow his advice or carve out their own paths.

Tems, Davido and Wizkid Drive Global Afrobeats Touring Boom in 2026

Tems, Davido and Wizkid Drive Global Afrobeats Touring Boom in 2026

Nigerian music stars are taking Afrobeats to new heights this year, with major performances lined up across Africa and beyond. From festival stages to sold out venues, the touring wave shows how far the genre has grown and how strong its global pull has become.

Leading the charge is Tems, who is set to co headline the opening night of the All Points East festival. She will share the stage with British singer Jorja Smith.

The event will take place on August 21 at Victoria Park in London. Known as one of the United Kingdom’s biggest summer festivals, the show will spotlight both Afrobeats and R&B. The lineup, curated by Smith and her label FAMM, also includes fast rising Nigerian act Ayra Starr, showing the growing global demand for the genre.

For Tems, this performance adds to a strong run on the international stage. Her debut album ‘Born in the Wild’ and her Grammy winning hit ‘Love Me Jeje’ have helped push her music to a wider audience.

Before that, Davido will headline his own major event titled ‘Davido & Friends’. The concert is set for August 14 at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London, a venue that has hosted legends like Bob Marley and Pink Floyd.

The show marks Davido’s return to England after his headline appearance at the O2 Arena two years ago, further showing his strong connection with fans in the UK.

At the same time, Wizkid is preparing for one of the biggest stages in Afrobeats. He will headline Afro Nation, widely known as the world’s largest Afrobeats festival, taking place from July 3 to 5.

The growing list of international shows by Tems, Davido and Wizkid reflects a major moment for Afrobeats. As more global stages open up, fans can expect even bigger tours and wider recognition for Nigerian music in the months ahead.

Wizkid: From Ojuelegba Roots to Guinness World Record and Grammy Glory

Wizkid: From Ojuelegba Roots to Guinness World Record and Grammy Glory

Wizkid has become one of Africa’s biggest music exports, but his journey started in the crowded streets of Ojuelegba in Lagos. From struggling to get studio time to setting global records, his rise shows how far talent and persistence can go.

Born Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun on July 16, 1990, Wizkid grew up in a large interfaith family as the youngest of 12 children. Life was not easy. Money was tight, and recording music professionally felt out of reach.

Before fame found him, he was known for spending long hours at OJB Jezreel’s Point Beat Studios, hoping for a few free minutes to record. Friends and industry insiders called him a “studio rat” because of his dedication. He began music at just 11 years old under the name Lil’ Prinz and later formed a church group called the Glorious Five. Those early years shaped his sound and sharpened his craft.

His big break came in 2009 when he signed with Banky W’s Empire Mates Entertainment. The move changed everything. In 2010, he released “Holla at Your Boy,” a song that quickly gained attention across Nigeria. A year later, his debut album Superstar confirmed his place in the country’s growing pop scene.

By 2016, his career had crossed borders. His collaboration with Drake on the hit song One Dance pushed him onto the global charts. The track topped charts worldwide and earned him recognition in the Guinness World Records, making him the first Afrobeats artist to reach that milestone.

He continued to build his global profile through his contribution to Beyoncé’s song Brown Skin Girl. The project earned him a Grammy Award and strengthened his place among the world’s top music stars.

In 2020, he released the album Made in Lagos, another turning point in his career. The project featured the hit single Essence, which made history as the first Nigerian song to appear on the Billboard Hot 100. The achievement highlighted his role in bringing Afrobeats into mainstream global music.

Even with international fame and major festival performances like Rolling Loud, Wizkid often speaks about his success in simple terms. He has said his greatest achievement is lifting his family out of poverty. From waiting outside studios for recording scraps to headlining global stages, his journey mirrors the steady rise of African music worldwide.

Wizkid’s story is more than personal success. It reflects how Afrobeats has grown from local studios in Lagos to the biggest stages around the world. As his career continues, fans can expect him to keep shaping the sound of global music while opening doors for the next generation of African artists.

Rema Reveals He Smokes, Drinks and Prays Before Going on Stage

Rema Reveals He Smokes, Drinks and Prays Before Going on Stage

Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has shared details about what he does before stepping on stage. The singer revealed that he drinks alcohol, smokes cigarettes, and prays as part of his routine before performing.

Rema made the disclosure during an interview with Dazed on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week. The music star was in Italy where he walked the runway for the fashion brand Diesel.

Speaking about how he prepares for shows, Rema said, “A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” Rema said, highlighting the importance of being mentally and physically prepared for his shows.

He explained that performing in front of a crowd is more demanding than walking on the runway. According to him, live shows require focus, strong breath control, and constant connection with fans.

“Performing has a lot to do with your breath work, and you have to keep the crowd going.”

Beyond his stage routine, the singer also spoke about what he has been listening to lately. He revealed that Sudanese cultural live music has caught his attention.

“I have been listening to a lot of Sudanese cultural live music,” he added.

While discussing his habits, Rema admitted that smoking cigarettes is his biggest vice.

The interview gave fans a rare look into how the Afrobeats star prepares for major appearances, both in music and fashion.

Rema’s comments show how seriously he takes his performances. From prayer to team checks and personal rituals, he says everything must be in place before he faces a crowd.

As his global profile continues to grow, fans can expect to see more of him not only on stage but also at major fashion events around the world.

Tiwa Savage Partners With Berklee to Train 100 Young Nigerian Music Creators in Lagos

Tiwa Savage Partners With Berklee to Train 100 Young Nigerian Music Creators in Lagos

Award winning Nigerian singer Tiwa Savage is taking a bold step to shape the future of African music. The global Afrobeats star has launched the Tiwa Savage Music Foundation and announced a partnership with Berklee College of Music to train 100 emerging Nigerian music creators in Lagos.

The new initiative, titled the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program, will bring Berklee faculty members to Lagos from April 23 to April 26, 2026. Over four days, 100 selected participants will receive fully funded training in key areas of music creation and the business behind it.

This will be the first Berklee College of Music event held in West Africa. It also marks a major moment for a region that is seeing fast growth in the global music industry.

Speaking to CNN, Savage explained the vision behind the project.

“Afrobeats has captured the world’s attention, but attention alone is not enough to sustain an industry. Talent is universal — but access is not,” the singer told CNN.

The program blends classroom learning with practical experience. Participants will study music production, songwriting, sound engineering, harmony, and ear training. Ear training helps musicians identify pitches, chords, and melodies by sound. The training will also cover music publishing, copyright, and parts of entertainment law.

Savage believes even a short program can make a big impact.

“You’d be surprised how much you can learn in four days,” Savage said in an exclusive interview with CNN. “It gives you a taste of what’s possible and exposes you to parts of music you may not even realize you’re drawn to”

The training will end with live ensemble performances. Outstanding participants may be considered for future scholarships to study at Berklee in Boston, Massachusetts, or take online courses. This means the program is not just a one time opportunity, but a possible pathway to long term education and global careers.

Savage said the foundation grew from both experience and urgency. She noted that tuition at leading international music schools can cost between 40,000 and 60,000 dollars per year, excluding living expenses. For many young creatives in Nigeria and across Africa, that cost is out of reach. By fully funding the Lagos program, the foundation aims to close that gap.

“It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years,” she said It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for years,” she said “That experience changed how I saw music,” she said. “It made me realize that talent alone isn’t enough. Structure, education, and exposure are what allow creatives to compete globally.”

The Tiwa Savage Music Foundation is not focused only on singers. It also supports producers, composers, engineers, and music business professionals. Savage stressed that these roles are key to building a strong creative economy.

“The music industry is a value chain,” she said. “You can be the most talented artist in the world, but without the people who create, capture, protect, and monetize music, there is no industry. If we want African music to last five, 10, 20 years from now, we have to invest in the entire ecosystem.”

The timing of this initiative is important. According to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry, recorded music revenues in Sub Saharan Africa passed 110 million dollars in 2024. Afrobeats streams on Spotify have grown by more than 500 percent in the past five years. Nigeria remains one of Africa’s biggest music export markets. The country also has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of about 18.

Despite this growth, Savage warned that without proper education and institutional support, African creators may remain visible but financially vulnerable.

“We have the world’s attention now,” she said. “But education is what turns visibility into empowerment. It gives creatives the tools to move from being just talent to becoming leaders, innovators, and stakeholders in the global industry.

Looking ahead, the foundation plans to award scholarships for Nigerian students to study at Berklee in Boston. Savage also hopes to one day establish a permanent music school in Nigeria.

“That’s the bigger vision,” Savage said. “To build something that outlives me— something that creates structure, opportunity, and ownership for future generations of African creatives.”

Applications for the Berklee in Nigeria: Tiwa Savage Intensive Music Program open on February 24, 2026, and close on March 20, 2026. The program is fully funded, and selected participants will not pay tuition.

Tiwa Savage’s new partnership with Berklee College of Music signals a strong commitment to the future of African music. By offering free, high level training to 100 young creators, the initiative aims to turn talent into lasting opportunity.

With applications set to open soon, many young Nigerian creatives will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.

Joeboy Says Afrobeats Is Being Purged, Returning to “Real Music”

Joeboy Says Afrobeats Is Being Purged, Returning to “Real Music”

Popular Nigerian singer Joeboy has said Afrobeats is entering a new phase, one he believes will restore the heart of the genre.

The singer spoke during his sold out Valentine’s Day show in Lagos. Midway into his performance, the ‘Faji’ crooner told fans that Afrobeats is now being cleansed of music that does not reflect its true sound.

According to him, “wack music no longer have a place in the genre. Afrobeats right now is going through a purge. We are getting back to the times where real music is going to stay – no more gimmicking and all of that.”

He continued, “I can feel it already and I am happy that we are getting back to those zones where the music speaks. I thank God for that.”

His comments come at a time when conversations about the direction of Afrobeats have grown louder.

At the start of the 2020s, the Nigerian music industry saw strong collaborations and fusions between Afrobeats and other genres. Many artists blended the sound with South Africa’s Amapiano, American hip hop, and R and B.

While the crossovers helped expand Afrobeats to global audiences, some critics argued that the heavy fusion watered down the original sound. They called for a return to what they described as “original Afrobeats.”

By 2024, a shift began to emerge. Some Nigerian artists started focusing more on traditional Afrobeats rhythms and reduced the strong Amapiano influence in their songs.

Music lovers across the country have described this shift as a positive move. However, many also admit that it may take time for the genre to fully reconnect with its original rhythm and identity.

Joeboy believes Afrobeats is finding its way back to its roots. His remarks reflect a wider conversation within the industry about authenticity and sound.

As more artists embrace what many call “real Afrobeats,” fans will be watching closely to see how the genre continues to evolve in the coming years.