Nigerian musician Rema has released a surprise album called ‘Heis’. This follows a polarising 2023 show at O2 London where fans were apparently disturbed by supposed Satanic imagery. The 11-track album is filled with floor fillers and is said to bring out a primal feeling of joy. ‘Heis’ opens with an enthralling, synth-heavy ‘March Am’ and then moves on to ‘Azaman’ which blends orchestral strings, thumping drums and a revving car engine. This serves to reaffirm Rema as a true rhythm scientist.
Rema demonstrates his ability to use his voice as an additional instrument throughout the record. His voice dips to a mocking squeak on ‘Hehehe’ as he declares, “I’m not gonna take it easy on my hater”. ‘Ozeba’ feels nostalgic for 2010s Afrobeats but Rema’s flow is unique. The album reminds the world that you can’t play with greatness.
Rema goes back to what worked for him on last year’s ‘Ravage’ EP with the amapiano style. ‘Yayo’ and ‘Benin Boys’ both utilise 808s, with Rema and fellow Afro-pop star Shallipopi throwing a vibrant celebration of their hometown of Benin City: “Na we be the pride of Benin, Oba sef suppose give us medal”. On ‘Heis’, Rema showcases his talent by trying everything, such as ‘War Machine’, which features Odumodublvck, and ‘Villain’. The pensive, balladic ‘Now I Know’ ends the album.
‘Heis’ serves to establish Rema as a dancefloor mastermind who will be a face of Afropop for decades to come. The album was released on July 11, 2024, under Marvin Records/Jonzing World
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