Global Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has sparked concern after revealing the darker side of his meteoric rise to fame.
The singer, who became a household name at just 19 after signing with Mavin Records, claims he was exploited and manipulated during his formative years in the industry.
The 25-year-old opened up about these experiences in his latest collaborative track, “Moviestar,” featuring French artist Sofiane Pamart. In the song’s lyrics, Rema delivers a haunting account of being “caught up” in a lifestyle he wasn’t prepared for, alleging that he was frequently drugged by women at a very young age.
“Girls always give me drugs. My happiness is zipped in their little purse. Friends always make me feel robbed,” Rema sings, painting a picture of a young star surrounded by people who took advantage of his vulnerability.
Rema hinted at the immense pressure he faced from the music industry. He suggested that once he signed his record deal, the focus shifted entirely to entertainment and revenue, often at the expense of his mental and emotional well-being.
According to the lyrics, there were times when he felt he couldn’t quit because the “machine” required him to keep singing, despite his internal grief.
