Nigerian music sensation Divine Ikubor, widely known as Rema, recently made headlines not just for his impressive triple win at the 9th All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) in Lagos, but for a profound message delivered during his acceptance speech. While celebrating his accolades, Rema passionately urged stakeholders to prioritize the protection and nurturing of Afrobeats institutions. This powerful call to action highlights a critical question for fans and professionals alike: how to support afrobeats industry effectively to ensure its enduring global impact.
Reflecting on his journey, the 25-year-old artist shared insights into his seven years in the music game, starting at Mavin Records at just 19. His wins for Artiste of the Year, Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, and Best African Artiste in RnB and Soul underscore his consistent rise and influence within the genre. However, for Rema, the awards were secondary to a larger, more urgent agenda regarding the future of African music.
Rema’s message, which echoed sentiments from his 2023 Headies Awards speech, centered on the importance of supporting what he termed the ‘utilities of Afrobeats’ – the platforms and institutions that foster unity, rather than division. He stressed that his presence at AFRIMA was not merely for the recognition, but to champion the very structures that enable artists to achieve major successes and propel the genre forward globally.
What are Afrobeats institutions? Afrobeats institutions refer to the foundational bodies and platforms that nurture, promote, and sustain the Afrobeats genre, including media houses, award ceremonies like AFRIMA and The Headies, record labels, and fan communities. Supporting these entities is crucial for the genre’s long-term global success and stability.
The artist articulated a stark warning, describing the current era as a ‘very sensitive period’ for Afrobeats. He argued that if collective attention is not given to these institutions, the genre risks missing a unique opportunity for sustained global dominance. This sentiment comes at a time when many are asking why is afrobeats growing so fast, and Rema’s answer points to the need for robust internal structures to manage this rapid expansion.
Rema highlighted a concerning trend within Nigeria, noting a decline in fan trust and ticket purchases, even as Afrobeats claims global ownership. This erosion of trust, he posited, is a symptom of slowly failing institutions, which could ultimately affect the entire ecosystem. The success of individual artists, he implied, cannot outpace the health of the underlying industry framework.
Comparing Afrobeats to past global music phenomena like Reggae, Rema asserted that the current generation of African artists has a unique chance to solidify their legacy. While discussions around genre comparisons like afrobeats vs amapiano often arise, Rema’s focus was less on stylistic differences and more on structural integrity. Similarly, the relevance of various award bodies, from afrima awards vs headies, becomes secondary to their collective role in upholding the genre’s standing.
Signed to Mavin Records at 19, Rema’s ascent began in 2019 with hits like ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Dumebi,’ quickly establishing him as a prominent figure. His career trajectory serves as an inspiration, and for those new to the genre, exploring artists like Rema offers an excellent starting point, making him one of the best afrobeats artists for beginners to discover the genre’s rich sound.
To truly appreciate the nuances of the genre, it’s essential to have afrobeats music explained beyond just its catchy rhythms. It is a vibrant fusion of West African musical styles like Fuji, Highlife, and Jùjú with American jazz, soul, and funk influences, characterized by its infectious beats, captivating melodies, and often storytelling lyrics. This rich tapestry is what makes it globally appealing.
Examining current afrobeats industry trends reveals a genre at a crossroads of immense opportunity and potential vulnerability. The rapid international embrace of Afrobeats presents both incredible growth avenues and challenges in maintaining authenticity, fostering new talent, and ensuring fair compensation for artists and creators. Robust institutions are vital to navigate these complex dynamics.
Looking ahead, predictions for the coming years suggest continued global expansion. While it’s early to name the best afrobeats artists 2026, the foundation being laid now will determine who rises to prominence. The afrobeats industry forecast 2026 heavily relies on the collective efforts to strengthen its underlying structures, ensuring that the next generation of stars has a solid platform to thrive.
Rema’s powerful address at AFRIMA, a significant piece of rema latest news, serves as a crucial reminder that the longevity of Afrobeats depends on more than just hit songs and individual talent. It requires a unified, concerted effort to bolster its institutions. Understanding how to support afrobeats industry is not just about listening to music; it’s about actively engaging with and protecting the platforms that make its global success possible, securing its future for generations to come.
From media houses amplifying voices to award ceremonies celebrating achievements, each component plays a role in the genre’s ecosystem. The collective responsibility lies with artists, fans, and industry professionals to heed Rema’s call and ensure Afrobeats continues its meteoric rise with a stable and supportive foundation.
