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Rema’s sophomore album ‘HEIS’ has generated a buzz among fans and critics alike. The highly-anticipated project sees the young artist pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.
However, a recent poll by Netng shows that fan opinions on the album are quite divided. Netng used its social channels to ask its millions of readers if Rema is who he claims he is as the future of Afropop. On the album, Rema boldly claims to be H-I-M and declares that there was no ‘Big 3’ anymore but a Big 4.
Netng’s survey of music lovers revealed that 39% believe Rema is exactly who he thinks he is, while 37% think otherwise. Meanwhile, 24% feel that he still needs to improve. This mixed reception highlights the varied expectations and reactions from Rema’s diverse fanbase.
One enthusiastic fan told Netng that the album is rated “10/10 minus nothing,” and went on to praise Rema’s innovative approach and distinct sound.
Rema’s ambition is evident on HEIS
Rema shows his unique talent on HEIS, drifting away from the style that has dominated the Afrobeats scene in recent years. In his review titled ‘HEIS THE ONE,’ Ayomide Tayo comments on Rema’s ambition to break into the elite circle of Afrobeats, often referred to as ‘The Big 3,’ which includes Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid.
Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid have already done so much for the industry and it seems a pipe dream for one to break that level. Tayo remarks “The answer has to do with his ambition to break into the Americanized concept of ‘The Big 3’ which Afrobeats has co-opted. Burna Boy, Davido, and Wizkid have so much cultural cache that it beggars belief.”
“For a young buck to break into this space, he would need to be ambitious, and bold and pause international ambitions to attain local god-like status. This means not only crafting pop bangers that suit the palette of the local audience but also achieving street cred by the truckload.”
Despite the mixed reviews, Rema’s influence on Afrobeats continues to grow. He is one of the most listened-to artists in the country today, and “HEIS” has already smashed Spotify records. His recent high-profile performance at the wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant, reportedly earning him $3 million, is a testament to his rising star status.
Whether loved or critiqued, Rema’s latest album undeniably marks a defining moment in his career and the genre’s ongoing evolution.
