Why I have not made Amapiano songs yet – Rema

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has said he’s yet to put out Amapiano songs because he is still learning about the subgenre.

Speaking in a recent Apple Music podcast, Rema said he is interested in making Amapiano music but needs time to learn it.

The 23-year-old artiste said he has asked Musa Keys, the South African singer, to educate him about the Amapiano sound.

Rema said he got interested in the Amapiano sound after he felt “the particles, elements, and spirituality” during a studio session with Keys.

“I feel like tapping into a sound, most especially when it is within Africa; I take my time to study. I don’t jump on the wave, I take my time to understand things. When me and Musa Keys were in the studio, I was like, ‘I know a lot of Nigerians are doing Amapiano but I need you to educate me about Amapiano. I do not want to hop on it. Yes, I can make a banger, but it is like can you teach me?’” he said.

“When I hear the ones from South Africa, it holds more spirit than the ones from anywhere else. Although I do not understand everything they are saying, I can feel the particles, the elements or the spiritual essence of the music.

“I know there is a lot of Amapiano from different parts of Africa, but educate me about yours, right? I feel like that’s necessary. I am so down to collaborate, and while I collaborate, I want to learn; I do not want to do it the wrong way. Yes, Amapiano is a sound I want to tap into but give me time with that!”