Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, better known to the world as Rema, has pulled back the curtain on what goes on in his dressing room before he hits the stage.
The singer shared these insights during a recent sit-down with Dazed magazine on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week.
Rema, who was in the fashion capital to walk the runway for Diesel, revealed that his pre-show ritual is a mix of the spiritual, the technical, and the personal.
To get into the right headspace, Rema admitted to a specific routine: a bit of alcohol, a cigarette, and a moment of prayer. He also emphasized the importance of a rigorous sound-check with his crew to ensure every technical detail is perfect before the lights go up.
“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” he said when describing how he prepares for the spotlight.
Comparing his two roles in Milan, Rema noted that performing live is far more taxing than the structured world of high-fashion modeling.
He explained that a concert requires intense breathwork and a constant exchange of energy to keep a crowd engaged—something a runway walk doesn’t demand.
When it comes to his current musical influences, the singer is looking far beyond the charts. He shared that he has been diving deep into Sudanese cultural live music lately, seeking fresh inspiration for his own sound.
Despite his global success, Rema remained grounded and honest about his personal struggles, openly admitting that his habit of smoking cigarettes remains his “biggest vice.”