Popular Afrobeat Musician Opens Up About Embracing Rebellious Side to Reclaim Lost Childhood

Afrobeats star Rema has revealed that his recent shift towards a more rebellious persona is driven by a deep-seated desire to recapture the childhood he feels was prematurely taken from him. 

In a candid interview with GRMDaily, the “Ozeba” singer shared insights into how personal tragedy and the pressures of fame have shaped his current outlook.

Rema, now 24, reflected on the impact of losing his father and brother at a young age, events that forced him to mature much faster than his peers. 

“I just want to be a child again, and it’s coming out. This isn’t something I’m forcing; it just sparked in my spirit,” he confessed during the interview.

The singer, known for his energetic performances and hit tracks, expressed how the burden of fame has made it difficult for him to navigate the typical mistakes of youth without facing severe judgment. “You know, kids make mistakes, and it’s acceptable. 

But when you’re 19 or 20 and famous, and you make the same mistake a regular 19-year-old would make, everybody comes for you,” Rema explained.

He further questioned why society expects those in the spotlight to be immune to the errors common to their age group, saying, “They act like because you’re in the limelight, you’re not supposed to make that kind of mistake. Why? I’m still a kid!”