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Creating music often feels like an intricate puzzle. You might have a melody that you love, but when it comes to pairing it with chords, you feel stuck. If you're in this situation, you're not alone.
Read moreNigerian superstar Rema has made an electrifying return with his new track, "Benin Boys," marking his first musical release of 2024. This collaboration with Shallipopi is a significant moment for Rema, coming after the massive success of his Selena Gomez-assisted hit "Calm Down," which became one of the biggest Afrobeats crossover hits in U.S. history.
On June 20th, Rema unveiled "Benin Boys," a dynamic track that features heavy drums and stirring background strings. The song highlights the synergy between Rema and Shallipopi as they trade verses, celebrating their wealth and solidifying their positions as two of the most influential young stars in the global music scene. The release is accompanied by a visually stunning music video directed by DK. In the video, Rema and Shallipopi are seen in various vibrant settings, including a neon-lit nightclub, a private jet, and atop what appears to be a church, all while sporting their freshest outfits.
Just two days prior, on June 18th, Rema was honored with two ASCAP London Music Awards for his song "Calm Down": song of the year and top streaming song. This recognition comes as no surprise, given the track's remarkable achievements. "Calm Down" reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and maintained a record-setting 58 weeks at the top of the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. It also climbed to No. 1 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, a historic feat for a song by an African lead artist. The track served as the second single from Rema's debut studio album, "Rave & Roses," which peaked at No. 81 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the World Albums chart.
In the past year, Rema's musical journey has been marked by notable collaborations. Despite releasing a few solo tracks on the deluxe version of "Rave & Roses," such as "Charm" and "Reason You," Rema has been prolific in teaming up with other artists. His collaborations include "Bubalu" with Feid, "Pretty Girl" with Ice Spice, and the "Soweto" remix with Victony, Tempoe, and Don Toliver, which reached No. 65 on the Hot 100. Rema's last solo project was the "Ravage EP," released in October, featuring the fan-favorite "DND."
"Benin Boys" also signifies Rema's first official release as a newly-signed artist with Interscope Records, under the label's UMG-assisted partnership with Mavin Global. This move is expected to further propel his career and expand his reach to even broader audiences.
The release of "Benin Boys" is not just another milestone for Rema but also a testament to his evolving artistry and global appeal. Fans can now stream "Benin Boys" and witness the continued rise of this Afrobeats sensation.