Rema Samples Sade's “Is It a Crime”: A New Chapter in His Musical Journey

LISTEN TO IS IT A CRIME

Rema has become one of the most celebrated stars in the global music scene, gaining international recognition with his unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, pop, and R&B influences. But as the young Nigerian artist continues to evolve, he’s now venturing into even more diverse musical territories. Recently, Rema teased a brand-new song on his Instagram that samples the iconic Sade track "Is It a Crime", and fans are eager to see how the artist’s new persona will unfold.

In this blog, we’ll explore what this sample means for Rema’s growth as an artist, delve into his musical journey so far, and examine the new direction he seems to be embracing.

Rema Samples Sade's “Is It a Crime”: A New Chapter in His Musical Journey

Rema has become one of the most celebrated stars in the global music scene, gaining international recognition with his unique blend of Afrobeat, trap, pop, and R&B influences. But as the young Nigerian artist continues to evolve, he’s now venturing into even more diverse musical territories. Recently, Rema teased a brand-new song on his Instagram that samples the iconic Sade track "Is It a Crime", and fans are eager to see how the artist’s new persona will unfold.

In this blog, we’ll explore what this sample means for Rema’s growth as an artist, delve into his musical journey so far, and examine the new direction he seems to be embracing.

Who is Rema? A Quick Overview of His Background

Rema, born Divine Ikubor on May 1, 2000, in Benin City, Nigeria, has quickly become one of Africa's biggest music stars. Rema’s rise to fame began in 2019 when he dropped his hit single “Dumebi”, which catapulted him into the global spotlight. Known for his unique style—a fusion of Afrobeat, trap, pop, and R&B—Rema’s sound is an innovative and refreshing take on modern Afrobeats.

Though many might think of Rema as a trailblazer in the contemporary Afrobeat scene, his sound is diverse, drawing influences from multiple genres, including rap, reggae, and even jazz. This fusion of styles has earned him comparisons to some of the biggest names in global music, making him an international crossover artist.

Rema's Musical Evolution: From Dumebi to Calm Down and Beyond

Rema’s debut EP, Rema (2019), introduced fans to his versatility, blending catchy Afropop rhythms with introspective lyrics. Hits like “Dumebi” and “Iron Man” brought him immense popularity, and the EP earned him a spot in the limelight.

In 2020, Rema dropped his Bad Commando EP, which further solidified his position as a rising star. The project explored more experimental sounds, with songs like “Bad Commando” and “Rema” showcasing his ability to switch between Afrobeats, trap, and pop with ease.

However, it was his 2022 hit "Calm Down" that propelled him into a new stratosphere of global stardom. The song, with its infectious melody and catchy lyrics, became one of the most-streamed Afrobeat songs of all time. The “Calm Down” remix with American artist Selena Gomez further expanded his reach, making Rema a household name not just in Africa but across the globe.

Following "Calm Down", Rema’s recent single "HEHEHE" continued to build on his ability to mix Afrobeat and contemporary sounds with catchy hooks. His music now embodies a balance of fun, danceable rhythms and introspective, yet relatable themes.

Rema Samples Sade’s “Is It a Crime”: A New Sound and Persona

Rema’s latest teaser on Instagram, where he samples the legendary Sade song “Is It a Crime”, signals a significant shift in his musical direction. The teaser reveals a side of Rema that fans haven’t seen before—a more mature, soulful, and introspective version of the artist. Sampling Sade, an icon of smooth jazz, soul, and R&B, is a bold move that shows Rema’s willingness to explore different musical genres and push his creative boundaries.

The song “Is It a Crime” from Sade’s 1985 album Promise is a slow, emotional ballad about love, longing, and vulnerability. By sampling this track, Rema is tapping into the rich world of classic soul and R&B while still maintaining his unique Afrobeat flavor. This new musical experiment could be the beginning of a new phase for Rema, as he expands his artistry and reaches for broader audiences.

Fans are already intrigued by the crossover between Afrobeat and soulful R&B, and the teaser has sparked a wave of anticipation for the full track. It’s clear that Rema is ready to redefine himself as an artist, stepping into a new persona that blends the sensuality of Sade with the rhythm of Afrobeat.

What Languages Does Rema Speak?

Rema’s ability to connect with a wide audience goes beyond his musical style—his multilingual abilities also play a key role in his global success. Rema is fluent in English and Pigeon English, which is commonly spoken in Nigeria and other West African countries. He also speaks Edo, his native language from Benin City. Rema’s ability to effortlessly switch between these languages has helped him resonate with a variety of listeners, from his local fanbase in Nigeria to his growing international audience.

Is Rema Edo or Igbo?

Rema is Edo, hailing from Benin City in Edo State, Nigeria. While there have been some questions about whether he is Igbo due to his widespread popularity and his integration into the Nigerian music scene, his roots are firmly planted in the Edo-speaking region. His cultural background and heritage often come through in his music, with Rema incorporating Nigerian slang and themes of his upbringing into his lyrics.

Who is Rema in a Relationship With?

As of now, Rema has kept his personal life relatively private, with little information available about his romantic relationships. While there have been rumors about his love life, the artist has focused more on his career and the music he’s creating. It’s important to note that Rema’s relationship status has not been a significant part of his public persona.

Rema's Persona: A New Artistic Chapter

Rema’s evolution over the past few years has been nothing short of remarkable. From the carefree, energetic vibes of “Dumebi” to the more mature, introspective sound seen in tracks like "Calm Down" and "HEHEHE", he has consistently adapted to changing trends while staying true to his African roots.

Now, with his latest musical experiment sampling Sade, Rema is embracing a new persona that blends nostalgia, soul, and depth. His music is becoming more mature, both sonically and lyrically, reflecting his growth as an artist and a person. Fans are watching closely to see if this new sound will continue to define his next phase of success.

How Rich Is Rema Now?

While specific figures for Rema's net worth are not publicly disclosed, it’s clear that his success has translated into substantial wealth. With multiple hit songs, endorsement deals, and sold-out tours, Rema is one of the most commercially successful African artists of his generation. His revenue streams come from music sales, streaming platforms (like Spotify and Apple Music), live performances, and brand endorsements. As of 2023, Rema’s estimated net worth is in the millions, and with his rising international profile, it’s only expected to grow.

Conclusion: Rema's Future is Bright

Rema is undeniably one of the most exciting talents to emerge from Africa in recent years, and his recent decision to sample Sade’s “Is It a Crime” marks the beginning of a new phase in his musical career. His growth as an artist is evident in his evolving sound, from Afrobeat to Afrofusion and now to more soulful, introspective music. With his unique style, multilingual abilities, and rising global influence, Rema is poised to remain a dominant force in the music industry for years to come.

As Rema continues to redefine his musical identity and experiment with new sounds, his fans can expect more groundbreaking music that pushes the boundaries of what African artists can achieve on the global stage. Whether it's "Calm Down", "HEHEHE", or his upcoming Sade-inspired single, Rema is carving a niche for himself that transcends genres, languages, and cultures.

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Top Afrobeat Samples

Afrobeat artists have been creatively drawing inspiration from various genres, and sampling iconic songs has become a significant way to blend African rhythms with global sounds. From classic R&B and soul tracks to legendary pop songs, Afrobeat producers have a knack for reinventing familiar melodies into something fresh and unique. Here’s a list of some of the best Afrobeat samples, including Burna Boy’s "Last Last" which samples Toni Braxton’s hit:

1. Burna Boy – Last Last (Samples Toni Braxton’s "He Wasn't Man Enough")

Burna Boy’s "Last Last" is a standout track from his Love, Damini album, combining the pain of heartbreak with a reggae-tinged Afrobeat rhythm. The song famously samples Toni Braxton’s 2000 hit “He Wasn’t Man Enough”. Burna Boy flips the sample into a poignant and catchy anthem that mixes West African influences with global R&B.

2. Wizkid – Ojuelegba (Samples The Beatles’ "A Day In The Life")

Wizkid’s "Ojuelegba" is a classic in the Afrobeat genre, and one of the most iconic songs in his career. While not immediately obvious, the track subtly samples The Beatles' "A Day in the Life". This incorporation of British rock into Afrobeat adds a layer of complexity, making Ojuelegba a crossover hit that resonates with both African and international listeners.

3. Davido – If (Samples The Isley Brothers' "Between the Sheets")

Davido’s smash hit "If" from his A Good Time album is a timeless Afrobeats classic, and it features a sample from The Isley Brothers' smooth R&B song "Between the Sheets". The soulful, laid-back vibes of the sample combine perfectly with the infectious Afrobeat rhythm to create a hit that has crossed boundaries in both African and international markets.

4. Rema – Dumebi (Samples “The Sweet Escape” by Gwen Stefani)

Rema’s breakout hit “Dumebi” has become a fan favorite across the globe. This track samples Gwen Stefani’s 2006 hit “The Sweet Escape”. The fun, tropical vibe of Rema’s "Dumebi" is enhanced by the melody from Stefani’s song, combining pop, Afrobeats, and dancehall elements in a way that resonates with both African and Western audiences.

5. Mr Eazi – Leg Over (Samples The Fugees’ "Ready or Not")

Mr Eazi’s "Leg Over" is another Afrobeat hit that creatively samples The Fugees' "Ready or Not". This sample adds a sense of nostalgia, especially for fans of 90s hip-hop and R&B, while Mr Eazi’s laid-back delivery and fusion of Afrobeat rhythms make the track irresistible.

6. Olamide – Motigbana (Samples "Dutty Wine")

Olamide’s “Motigbana” features a distinct sample of Dutty Wine, a popular dancehall track that emerged in the early 2000s. The blend of Afrobeat and dancehall influences creates a high-energy anthem, and Olamide’s signature style elevates the track to new heights.

7. Patoranking – Girlie O (Samples Beenie Man’s "Who Am I")

Patoranking’s "Girlie O" draws inspiration from Beenie Man's "Who Am I", one of the most iconic dancehall tracks from the 90s. The rhythmic fusion of dancehall and Afrobeat in "Girlie O" blends Caribbean influences with African sounds, creating a dance anthem that became a hit across the globe.

8. J Hus – Did You See (Samples Mobb Deep's "Shook Ones Pt. II")

UK-based artist J Hus brought Afrobeat to the forefront of UK music with his breakout track "Did You See". The song cleverly samples Mobb Deep’s 1995 classic "Shook Ones Pt. II", layering a vibrant Afrobeat melody over the iconic instrumental. The fusion of grime, Afrobeat, and hip-hop created a genre-bending track that became an anthem in both UK and African music scenes.

9. Tiwa Savage – All Over (Samples Destiny’s Child’s "Say My Name")

Tiwa Savage’s “All Over” is a feel-good Afrobeat track that draws inspiration from Destiny's Child’s massive hit “Say My Name”. The sample of the hook blends perfectly with Tiwa’s sultry delivery and the Afrobeat rhythm, creating a track that resonates with both nostalgic R&B fans and lovers of Afrobeat.

10. Zlatan – Zanku (Legwork) (Samples Skepta’s "Shutdown")

Zlatan’s "Zanku (Legwork)" became a massive hit in Nigeria and beyond, and it samples Skepta’s popular track “Shutdown”. The song infuses Skepta’s grime influences with Nigerian Afrobeat rhythms, and the fusion of both genres gave birth to the Zanku dance craze that swept across the continent.

Why Afrobeat Samples Work: A Blend of Global Influences

Afrobeat’s versatility lies in its ability to merge multiple genres, and sampling plays a huge role in this. Artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema are not just creating songs for their home audience—they are crafting music that appeals to global listeners. By sampling iconic songs from genres like R&B, dancehall, reggae, and hip-hop, these Afrobeat artists connect with listeners from different musical backgrounds, expanding their reach beyond Africa.

Sampling also brings a sense of nostalgia to the music, allowing younger generations to discover and enjoy classic tracks from the past while blending those elements with fresh, innovative sounds. This fusion of styles is one of the reasons why Afrobeat has exploded in popularity across the world.

Conclusion: Afrobeat’s Global Influence

Afrobeat continues to evolve and influence music worldwide. Whether it’s sampling classic R&B songs from the 90s or mixing in modern trap influences, Afrobeat artists are shaping the global music scene and reimagining what it means to be an international superstar. The samples featured in these tracks showcase Afrobeat's adaptability and its ability to mesh with other genres, creating a dynamic and cross-cultural sound that resonates with listeners across continents.

As more artists continue to experiment with and borrow from other musical traditions, Afrobeat will only grow stronger and more influential. With global hits like Burna Boy’s "Last Last", Wizkid’s "Ojuelegba", and Rema’s "Calm Down", it’s clear that Afrobeat is here to stay—and it’s constantly evolving.