Fondly described as “the prince of Afrobeats,” Rema has garnered acclaim for his unique style, vibrant energy, and numerous solo hits over the past five years. At just 24, he has rapidly risen beyond the confines of the Afrobeats industry, solidifying his place as a standout artist.
Rema’s highly anticipated sophomore album, “HEIS,” released on Thursday, has already ignited a frenzy on social media. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 11-track album, featuring hit singles like “Benin Boys” with Shallipopi, has received widespread critical acclaim and fan adoration. Anthony Azekwoh praised the album, stating, “Rema’s album is possibly one of the most successful sonic explorations I’ve ever heard. Every song is a bold statement that you can’t help but listen to. It’s African, it’s strong, it’s unique. I’ve never heard anything like this before.” Joey Akpan added, “Once you click on the new Rema, just know you are signing up to the soundtrack of your greatness.”
The album’s promotion began with a gothic-style “HEIS” logo reminiscent of Batman’s bat signal, hinting at a fusion of gothic, rock, and Afrobeats. At the album’s listening party, Rema revealed that “HEIS” derives from the Greek word “εἷς,” meaning “number one,” symbolizing unity and singularity. He stated, “‘HEIS’ has been my name since 2019, a Greek word meaning number one.”
The lyric visualizers for tracks like “Ozeba,” “Hehehe,” and “March Am” are out, with others available in lyric video format. This album, titled after Rema’s long-time username, encapsulates his artistic journey and his ambition to remain at the forefront of the music scene.
Rema’s “HEIS” is a testament to his growth and innovation within the Afrobeats genre, making a bold statement that showcases his unparalleled talent and creativity.
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