Global Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has revealed disturbing details of exploitation and manipulation during his swift rise to stardom.
The 25-year-old singer, who became a household name at 19 after signing with Mavin Records, opened up about the ordeal in his latest collaborative track, Moviestar, featuring French artist Sofiane Pamart.
In the song’s lyrics, Rema delivers a haunting account of being ill-prepared for the lifestyle that accompanied early fame. He alleges that he was frequently drugged by women while still very young.
“Girls always give me drugs. My happiness is zipped in their little purse. Friends always make me feel robbed,” he sings, painting a picture of a vulnerable young star surrounded by those who exploited his naivety.
Rema also hinted at the immense pressure exerted by the music industry. He suggested that once his record deal was signed, the focus shifted entirely to entertainment and revenue generation, often at the expense of his mental and emotional wellbeing.
According to the lyrics, there were moments he felt unable to walk away, as the “machine” demanded he continue performing despite his internal grief.
The revelations have sparked concern among fans and industry observers, underscoring the often-hidden toll of meteoric fame on young artists.
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