Nigerian artist Rema has boldly staked his claim to generational greatness in his latest single, “HEHEHE,” where he declares his position in the “big four” of Afrobeats.
The Benin City-raised artist, who burst onto the Nigerian music scene five years ago, has undeniably become one of the brightest shining superstars in Afrobeats. In this self-aggrandizing declaration, Rema asserts his place alongside the gilded Nigerian big three of Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.
The music on “HEHEHE,” helmed by Producer X, is grandiose and haunting, featuring delightfully staggering drums and spooky piano chord samples. This experimental bounce for Rema showcases a hoarse-voiced cadence and slightly off-kilter flow, with a distinct Benin twang to his delivery and line choices.
At just shy of two minutes, “HEHEHE” is likely to inspire multiple listens, featuring a stack of already quotable lyrics. This new single follows on the heels of last month’s “BENIN BOYS” with Shallipopi and sets an expectant tone for a sophomore album from Rema.
Rema’s journey from Benin City to global stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. His rise to prominence has been marked by a string of hits that have made him one of the most exciting acts in the ascendant Afrobeats genre. His signature sound combines comic-book references, trap beats, and melodic avalanches, catching the attention of industry heavyweights and even former U.S. President Barack Obama.
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