Two years after his debut album “Rave & Roses,” globally renowned Afrobeats icon Rema drops his long-awaited sophomore album “HeIs.” This album follows his meteoric rise to international prominence, driven by the success of tracks like “Soundgasm,” his stand-out verse on the “Soweto” remix, and the “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez.
Achievements in 2023 and 2024
2023 was a prolific year for Rema, making him the highest-charting Afrobeats artist in Billboard Hot 100 history and earning him a Guinness World Record. He also became the first African artist to perform at the Ballon D’Or Ceremony in Paris. In 2024, he was inducted into the “Billion Club” with over eight billion streams.
About “HeIs”
Named after the Greek word for numeral 1, “HeIs” solidifies Rema’s title as the Prince of Afrobeats. This landmark project showcases a wilder, more intense Rema, blending rousing and euphoric scores with undercurrents of danger. His artistic direction transcends convention, tapping into a genius-like madness.
Rooted in Afrobeats culture, Rema delves into its essence, repurposing the percussive style pioneered by Fela Kuti while incorporating modern influences like 80s synth music, trap, EDM, and amapiano. This creates a unique Afro-Rave sound, with bold and audacious lyrics.
Key Tracks
- “Benin Boys”: An anthemic ode to his hometown, featuring Nigerian rapper Shallipopi. It set the record for the second biggest opening day streams for a Nigerian song on Spotify.
- “March Am”: A sonic joyride produced by P Priime, featuring heavy drums and car revving sounds.
- “Villain”: An Afro-EDM tune with a Lana Del Rey sample.
- “Yayo”: A psychedelic track with youthful exuberance and brazen lyricism.
- “HeIs”: The title track, featuring heavenly choral melodies and the Kenyan choir Red Fourth Chorus.
- “War Machine”: Featuring Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck.
“HeIs” defies boundaries, realizing the Afro-Rave genre while honoring the purest form of Afrobeats.
Tracklist
- MARCH AM
- AZAMAN
- HEHEHE
- YAYO
- BENIN BOYS
- HEIS
- OZEBA
- WAR MACHINE
- EGUNGUN
- VILLAIN
- NOW I KNOW
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