Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS isn’t the direction many expected him to take following the massive success of his debut, “Rave & Roses.” The 2022 album brought him global recognition, with hits like “Calm Down,” the highest-charting Afrobeats song in Billboard Hot 100 history. Many complained about the darker, more sinister sound Rema brought mixed with traditional elements in “HEIS,” but while some have disagreed with his new sound, some have applauded his bravery.
“Sh*t was getting boring as fu*k. We gotta take our sh*t back, we gotta own it, we have to protect it…We water down our music for them to be able to create it.”
If anyone is going to take a risk, it is Rema. When he first blew up, people made fun of his singing cadence, calling him “Indian boy.” As time passed, this young “Indian boy” earned his spot alongside the big three of Afrobeats: Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy. “HEIS” came as no surprise, an album consisting of no skips and perfect transitions; a seamless journey the listener goes on, which is often a forgotten aspect of album-making today. Opening with the assertive “March Am,” where Rema chants “I dey march am” (a Pidgin phrase meaning to press forward), the album sets a relentless pace. It continues with “Azaman,” a lavish account of riches. “Benin Boys,” featuring Shallipopi, delivers a warning to haters and “Ozeba,” an early fan favorite, stands as a fast-paced declaration from Rema, promising his success as he ascends to the top.
Filled with English, Pidgin, Edo, Yorùbá, many cultural references to Benin, sonic references Nollywood, and even a Swahili chorus sung by Kenya’s Redfourth Choir, “HEIS” stands strong with its deep roots in African sound and culture. Despite the global success of Afrobeats, which has often led to its dilution, Rema brings back its essence and energy. In a recent interview on Apple Music, Rema said:
“Everyone is chasing something that the whole world can enjoy…I feel like with the success that has come, we’re listening to the voices of the world too much and we gotta listen to the voices back home to just keep our roots.”
We need to remember Afrobeats’ global success was achieved without compromising its authenticity. The genre’s pure form is inherently exciting and entertaining, which was the factor behind its success beyond borders. As Afrobeats becomes more mainstream, it’s essential for artists to preserve its authenticity. New listeners will need to learn the genre’s values to set a standard for future artists. The preservation of the genre’s beauty depends on artists like Rema, who understand the Afrobeats’ inherent perfection and strive to maintain its true essence by refusing to play it safe. With “HEIS”, Rema effortlessly proves his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and evolving as a well-rounded artist. Never forget that the best albums in music history have always been controversial in the beginning.
You can listen to HEIS here.