I’ve been winning awards since I was 19 – Rema

Rema has reflected on his remarkable journey in the music industry, revealing that he has been winning awards since he was 19 years old

The 25-year-old singer made the disclosure while receiving three awards at the All Africa Music Awards ceremony held on Sunday.

“Since I was 19, since I got to Mavin. I’m 25 now, I don dey old oo. But yeah, it’s beautiful to be here again and still getting an award, seven years in the game. I really appreciate it. Shout out to AFRIMA. One love,” Rema said in his acceptance speech.

The Benin-born artiste, who has been signed to Mavin Records since he was 19, burst onto the music scene in 2019 with hit songs like ‘Iron Man’ and ‘Dumebi’, quickly establishing himself as one of Africa’s most celebrated musicians.

His global breakout came with the 2022 hit single ‘Calm Down’, which featured American singer Selena Gomez. The remix became a worldwide sensation, topping charts across multiple countries and earning him international recognition.

At the AFRIMA ceremony, Rema won Best Male Artiste in Western Africa, Artiste of the Year, and Best African Artiste, Duo or Group in African RnB/Soul for ‘Calm Down’, edging out top Nigerian artistes including Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid, and Asake in the Best Male Artiste in Western Africa and Artiste of the Year categories.