BENIN CITY’S REMA RETURNS WITH HIS NEW 5-TRACK EP RAVAGE

RAVAGE EP OUT NOW VIA MAVIN RECORDS/JONZING WORLD/VIRGIN MUSIC

Benin City’s Rema returns with his new 5-track EP, RAVAGE, produced by London, Blaise Beatz, and P Prime. Having ascended to global superstar status over the past year, this project sees the groundbreaking artist opening a new chapter after collecting a historic number of accolades for his debut album Rave & Roses and its smash single “Calm Down” feat. Selena Gomez. Rema & Selena now hold the all time crown for most weeks on the Top 40 chart. When the chart published this past Sunday, 10/22, “Calm Down” became the longest running song in Top 40 chart history at 50 weeks!

RAVAGE opens with “Trouble Maker,” a song born out of scrutiny and criticism but that sees him taking ownership of the label placed upon him by outsiders as ‘trouble maker’ or disruptor. “DND“, is a request to the world to afford him privacy, something he needs to harness his energy in its purest form. It’s no secret that there have been distinct shifts in his sound over the past five years and “Smooth Criminal” celebrates this evolution as an artist. His laser-focus on refining his artistry takes its toll though, and on “Don’t Leave” the lack of time he has for himself and his loved ones begins to unravel. “Red Potion” closes the EP with an enchanting spell between two potential lovers but with the knowledge that when you play with fire, you may get burnt.

Rema’s artwork has become a crucial part of his artistry and always creates and allows room for discussion, perspective, and speculation. In his Rave & Roses artwork, we see Rema traveling into a new portal, and with RAVAGE he has now headed into another new era, energized and ready to go. On the cover of the new project, the horse represents his drive and passion, whilst the skeleton holding the sword reflects the inner fighter in him who has never given up on his goal. At the top of the artwork is a brain with a glowing pineal gland, demonstrating his awakening and activation of his third eye and also present is the spinal cord, a sign of resurrection. A touch of green floral can be seen around the edge to reflect growth, but no artwork would be complete without the Teddy Bear, which has become synonymous with Rema, a nod to his childhood and where this all began.

Expanding on what this project means, Rema shares: On this project, I connect with my inner flame, my inner rage. It’s like an outburst on the inside of me that I’ve held in for too long. It’s not fueled with negativity, rather it’s fueled with drive, passion, and destiny. What people will hear on this project is a little exhale from me, only that it comes with fire.

Earlier this month, Rema made his SNL debut performing “Pretty Girl” with Ice Spice. “Pretty Girl” was released the day before SNL and marks another high-profile collaboration for the Nigerian artist following the runaway success of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez. Hosted by Pete Davidson, the episode was the show’s first since returning to air following the WGA strike. Adding to the fanfare of the evening, Taylor Swift surprised fans and viewers by introducing the song on the show.

This performance follows his historic win for the VMA’s first ever best Afrobeats award as well as joining the Spotify Billions Club for “Calm Down,” feat. Selena Gomez the most streamed song ever from an African artist. His debut album Rave & Roses has also become the most streamed Afrobeats Album of all time.

Listen to the RAVAGE EP out now and stay tuned for more from Rema coming soon.