Fast-rising Nigerian rapper, Afrobeats singer, songwriter and model, Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, is definitely on the path to success. The youngster, signed by Mavin Records owned by record label executive, Don Jazzy, shockingly made President Barack Obama’s summer playlist with his song “Iron Man.”
In an Instagram post, Obama shared 44 songs he and his wife, Michelle, have been banging to this summer and Rema was number 42.
He wrote, “With summer winding down, here’s a sampling of what Michelle and I have been listening to – some new, some old, some fast, some slow. Hope you enjoy.”
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The list includes music heavyweights Jay Z, Drake, Rihanna, Lauryn Hill, John Legend, Robin Thicke, Beyoncé, Frank Sinatra, DJ Khaled and a host of others. President Obama has over the weeks made a compilation of his favorite books and playlist as summer comes to an end.
In June, Rema made history as the first Nigerian artist to debut five top songs on Apple Music with songs off his Extended Play (EP), ‘Rema’. The songs are Boulevard’, ‘American Love’, ‘Spiderman’, ‘Trap out the Submarine’ and ‘Dumebi’.
Punch reports that he was discovered by D’Prince in Benin City who said he saw “star value” in the young singer. He describes him as “talented” with an “artistry far beyond the years”.
His monster singles “Iron Man” and “Dumebi” are currently topping charts across the globe. According to NigerianInfo, the 18-year-old is worth an estimated $200,000.
Last year, Chimamanda Adichie’s ‘Americanah’ and Chinua Achebe’s ‘Things Fall Apart’ made Obama’s favorite books of 2018 list.
Both authors were the only Nigerians on the list while their famous works were mentioned alongside 26 other publications.
See some social media reactions below:
??♂️??♂️ ahh Obama is listening to Rema. Check out number 42. ???????? cc @heisrema #Mavin https://t.co/TJxqFaKaI9
— ITS DONJAZZY AGAIN? (@DONJAZZY) August 24, 2019
Wizkid is back on twitter.
— officialmosope (@mosopeogungbem2) August 24, 2019
Barack obama’s wife is vibing to rema song.
What a time to be an african
Has anyone noticed REMA IS TRENDING ..nawa oo OBAMA listening to rema Iron Man…..local men suprise…. #BBNaija pic.twitter.com/uoPnjlFtZX
— Lexzy (@lexzysmile) August 24, 2019
Iron man by Rema is on Obama’s summer playlist.
— Abike (@Jollz) August 24, 2019
I would LOVE to see his streaming numbers over the next 3 days my Gad
At this rate you can’t even be surprised by the heights our Nigerian Artistes are getting to anymore. Rema on Obama’s Music list is the lastest Win for our Music Industry. Nigerian Music has taken over the World & you Love to see it…
— King N●-N● ? (@Zaddy_nomso) August 24, 2019
Barack Obama listens to Rema.
— Omoniyi Israel (@_omoissy) August 24, 2019
Davido performs at the world’s most famous music arena, Madison Square Garden.
Tekno produced Swae Lee and Drake’s song “Won’t be Late”
Wizkid hit 8 million monthly streams on Spotify.
Elton John endorsed Burna Boy.
The world to Afrobeat!??????
Obama is Listening to Rema. Wow Nigerian Artistes are going farther than Nigeria’s Economy. ??
— DREYLO (@RealDreylo) August 24, 2019
Obama is a normal person, human. Born in Kenya. Liking African music shouldn’t be such a bid deal. We do make really good music
— Mutuma♡ (@mutumaMM) August 24, 2019
✭ Rema being on Barack Obama’s summer playlist is the best thing I’ve seen today. That guy deserves everything he’s getting.
— ✭ Ug? (@Justiiin_Ug) August 24, 2019
