Nigerian artist Rema responds to claims of being a 'devil worshipper'
- Published By Jedida Barasa For The Statesman Digital
- 1 month ago
What's the craziest rumour you've ever heard about yourself? For Mavin Records signee Divine Ikubor popularly known as Rema, it's that he's a "devil worshipper."
Such accusations aren't new in the entertainment industry, especially when one's success peaks rapidly. Rema, however, rubbishes the claims noting he's just misunderstood and misjudged due to society's ignorance.
Finally addressing the rumours, the 24-year-old touched on how the imagery and colours used in his visuals are not only artistic choices but cultural references as well.
"The craziest thing I've seen online about me is that I worship the devil; they say I worship the devil," candidly stated the 'Calm Down' hitmaker during a recent interview with the Kids Take Over podcast.
On why it has taken him ages to address the accusations or try to clear his name from the vile ties Rema highlighted not everything is worth his time and attention, especially in this digital age.
"It's not important to respond to those claims; I feel like it's a waste of time. Sometimes it's just really the colours my team and I use to dominate an image. The rabbid phase was about red and people were just scared about red and I'm like, 'Yo, it's red.' If you see a beautiful lady in a red dress, you won't call her the devil, so why are you calling me the devil?" The artist argued as he defended his creative expression.
Rema added he feels another factor that might've contributed to the rumours is the incorporation of his Edo culture in his music videos. The artist strongly believes the lack of understanding and exposure to his culture is why some people label his art as "devilish."
"Another thing is that my culture, the Edo culture, is not one that the world has been familiar with. It has not had a lot of ambassadors and is not one of the popular traditions in the diaspora. A lot of people are familiar with other cultures and if they don't understand it, they label it devilish.
It's literally one Google search away and they want me to explain it and that's a waste of time," the multi-award-winning singer explained.
Finishing up he called people to educate themselves outside their geographical areas as he maintained art is always up for self-interpretation.
"So, will I do the music, videos, and creative direction and still come and explain it to y'all? Hell no!
That's why it's art, you see it and make a meaning for yourself. I feel like it's the same thing with music and imagery, it will speak to you how It needs to and if you call it the devil. Bless," Rema firmly stated.
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