Posted by A Celebration of Heritage
Nigerian hyphenate Rema has officially shared his latest single, ‘Benin Boys’. Signed to Mavin Global/Jonzing World, the artist continues to reshape the global music landscape, consistently shattering records and pushing the boundaries of the Afrobeats genre.
The release follows a period of intense focus for the artist. Having recently headlined a sold-out show at The O2 Arena in London, Rema found himself at the center of a public discourse when a visual segment during his performance—intended to honor his Benin City heritage—was misinterpreted by some as “demonic” imagery. The criticism, which stung him deeply, has only served to sharpen his resolve. ‘Benin Boys’ stands as a defiant and celebratory response, doubling down on his cultural identity.
A Potent Musical Elixir
For this new release, Rema has enlisted the talents of fast-rising Nigerian artist Shallipopi. Produced by Yo X, the track is a masterclass in genre-blending, seamlessly weaving together elements of trap, Afrobeats, and traditional rhythmic structures to create a potent, infectious sound.
The song serves as a powerful statement of intent, with Rema asserting his pride in his roots through the central lyric: “You touch a Benin boy, you touch the full nation.”
Tune in to the official video below:
Photo Credit: Ricky Alvarez