Profile Summary
| Full Name | Divine Ikubor |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Rema |
| Date of Birth | May 1, 2000 |
| Age (2025) | 25 years |
| State of Origin | Edo State |
| Height | 5ft 8 in (173 cm) |
| Weight | ~70 kg |
| Parents | Father: Justice Ikubor (late), Mother: (name private) |
| Siblings | 2 sisters (brother late) |
| Profession | Singer, Rapper, Songwriter |
| Record Label | Jonzing World / Mavin Records / Virgin Music |
| Marital Status | Single |
Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is one of Afrobeats’ biggest Gen-Z stars. Born in Benin City, Edo State, he rose from humble beginnings and family tragedy to become a global sensation with record-breaking hits like Calm Down.
This biography explores rema’s life history, parents, early life, education, career struggles, achievements, and personal life.
For his financial profile, see our article on Rema Net Worth 2025.
Rema Biography
Rema was born on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Edo State. As of 2025, Rema is 25 years old.
Raised by his mom in Edo, he began singing in churches and even formed a rap group called RNA with his childhood friend, Alpha P.
Parents & Family
He lost his father and his elder brother at a young age and was raised primarily by his Christian mother.
His father, Justice Ikubor, was a high-ranking politician in Edo State and a PDP chieftain who was found dead in a hotel in Benin City under suspicious circumstances, leaving the family in hardship.
Rema has three siblings but lost his elder brother to medical complications. Details about his two sisters remain private, though he has occasionally referenced them in interviews.
Rema has occasionally spoken about the impact of losing his father, describing it as a defining moment in his life.
Education
Rema attained his primary and secondary education at Ighile Group of Schools in Edo State.
In 2021, he was admitted to the University of Lagos to study Creative Arts. However, due to his music career and constant touring, his studies have been intermittent.
Early Struggles & Life in Ghana
After his father’s death, Rema worked odd jobs to support his family. He revealed in past interviews that he even worked as a motorcycle mechanic.
At one point, he relocated to Ghana, hustling to survive and send money back home.
This period shaped his resilience and explains his later hunger for success as he would buy his mum a Lexus RX 350 in 2017 after returning from Ghana.
Career Beginnings
Rema began uploading Instagram freestyles as a teenager. One of them — a freestyle to D’Prince’s “Gucci Gang” — went viral and caught D’Prince’s attention.
This led to his signing with Jonzing World, under the Mavin Records umbrella.
His debut single “Dumebi” became a viral hit in 2019, introducing him as one of Afrobeats’ brightest newcomers.
The same year, his track “Iron Man” was included in former U.S. President Barack Obama’s summer playlist, boosting his international credibility.
Rise to Fame
- 2019: Released three EPs (Rema, Freestyle, Bad Commando) that solidified his style.
- 2020–2021: Continued to grow with singles that appealed to Gen-Z audiences.
- 2022: Released debut album Rave & Roses, led by the smash hit Calm Down.
- 2023–2024: Calm Down (Remix) with Selena Gomez entered the Billboard Hot 100, crossed 1B Spotify streams, and became the most-viewed Afrobeats video on YouTube.
- 2025: Continues touring arenas globally, from London to New York, positioning him as Afrobeats’ biggest Gen-Z export.
Achievements & Awards
Rema’s journey has been decorated with industry recognition:
- First Gen-Z Nigerian artist to cross 1B streams on Spotify with a single (Calm Down).
- Multiple Headies Awards and Soundcity MVP Awards.
- Winner of MTV Europe Music Award (EMA) for Best African Act.
- Regular headliner at major festivals like Wireless, Afro Nation, and Dreamville Festival.
Below is a list on all awards won by rema so far:
- 2019 Headies Next Rated Awards
- 2019 City People Music Awards: Revelation of the Year
- 2020 The Future Awards Africa Music
- 2022 Soundcity MVP Awards: Digital Artist of the Year
- 2022 Headies Awards: Best Male Artist
- 2022 Headies Awards: African Artist of the Year
- 2022 Headies Awards: Digital Artist of the Year
- 2023 MTV Video Music Awards for Best Afrobeats Song
- 2023 AFRIMMA Crossing Boundaries with Music Awards
- 2023 AFRIMMA Artist of the Year
- 2023 Trace Awards Song Of the Year
- 2023 Trace Awards Best Global African Artist
- 2023 Trace Awards Best Male Artist
Controversies & Challenges
Rema’s career has also faced scrutiny and controversies, some tied to his early life:
- Laptop Theft Allegation: In an early interview, he revealed being accused of stealing a laptop as a teenager, an experience he says reflected the struggles of hustling before fame.
- Health & Burnout (2023): Cancelled a European concert citing exhaustion, sparking concern about artist workload.
- Social Media Moments: Known for cryptic tweets and unique style, which sometimes polarize fans.
- Comparisons & Pressure: Frequently compared to Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido, Rema has admitted in interviews that it creates intense pressure.
Personal Life
Rema is currently single and keeps details about his relationships private. Spiritually inclined, he often shares how faith influences his lifestyle.
- Height & Weight: He is about 5ft 8in (173 cm) tall and weighs ~70 kg.
- Lifestyle: Beyond music, Rema has a passion for cars and fashion. In September 2025, he made headlines after purchasing a brand-new McLaren GTS, one of the flashiest cars in his collection.
- Public Image: Known for blending spirituality, Gen-Z aesthetics, and Afrobeats culture.
12 Quick Facts About Divine Ikubor
How old is Rema in 2025?
He is 25 years old, born on May 1, 2000.
Where is Rema from?
He is from Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
How tall is Rema?
Rema is about 5ft 8in (173 cm) tall.
What is Rema’s weight?
He weighs around 70 kg.
Does Rema have siblings?
Yes, rema he two sisters, though their name and details are kept private. His only brother died due to medical complications.
Does Rema have a girlfriend?
As of 2025, Rema is single and has not publicly confirmed any relationship
Who are Rema’s parents?
His father was Justice Ikubor (late), a politician, and his mother raised him in Edo State.
What happened to Rema’s father?
His father, Justice Ikubor, was found dead at Precious Palm Royal hotel in Benin City under mysterious circumstances. Rema continues to seek justice for his father.
Did Rema ever live outside Nigeria?
Yes, he relocated to Ghana for a period to hustle before his music breakthrough.
Did Rema steal his friend’s laptop?
Yes, Rema stole his friend Eric’s laptop in 2017. He confessed and apologized stating that he did it in order to fend for his pregnant mom.
Which university did Rema attend?
He gained admission into the University of Lagos in 2021 to study Creative Arts but has been unable to focus on school due to his music.
Has Rema won any awards?
Yes, he has won multiple Headies Awards, Soundcity MVP Awards, and the MTV EMA for Best African Act.
