Rema Talks About Collaborating With Western Artists On Africa Now Radio

Nigerian afropop superstar and Apple Music global Up Next alumni Rema joins LootLove via FaceTime on Apple Music 1 to talk about his latest track, “Time N Affection (feat. Chris Brown).”

He also discusses his new album, Rave & Roses, how he incorporates Western artists into his sound, and how he continues to propel the “Afrorave” movement. 

Rema on always being ready to record
 
I’m just a guy that’s always stuck in the studio, because I don’t really have much to do if I’m not out there performing. If I’m not out performing, or I’m not with family, I’m in the studio.
 
I have studio equipment in my boot everywhere I drive to, I drive with a studio. If I’m traveling, in my carry-on I take my speaker, my laptop and my mic. Sometimes I be out and I might not get home, sometimes I just feel like staying at my friend’s place, or just go by the studio or wherever find myself, or at the hotel. I always have my equipment in my car.
 
 
Rema on collaborating with Western artists
 
I’m really grateful that these artists blessed me with their vocals, and they actually all enjoyed vibing on my record. I would not do anything that’s forced. They actually did enjoy the record, they actually kept playing it to their own friends like “Yo I wrote this record, I love Rema, I love this sound.” We’re both excited about the record and that’s how it’s supposed to be.
 
 
Rema on his duty with afrorave
 
I feel like my sound is destined to unlock territories. I’ve been blessed with the gift of sound, and it’s very easy for me. When I walk in the studio, I’m pretty sure I leave with a banger. That’s why the first word I say before I attack a beat is “another banger,” like I don’t even care however the song goes, I don’t know how it is gonna go, I just say it and I go for it.
 
I feel like I didn’t beg to be here. I feel like I’m supposed to be here and I’m meant to cause the shift of sound and to evolve the afrobeat movement in a way. I’m just playing my role, I’m not overthinking it. I’m just going with the flow and everything is happening organically. I’m grateful for that.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Music 1 at apple.co/_AfricaNow.