Rema Reveals: “I Sold My Childhood” Due to Fame and Family Burdens

Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Rema, born Divine Ikubor, recently opened up about the profound impact of his father’s death on his childhood in a revealing interview with GRM. 

The 24-year-old artist candidly discussed how the loss of his father at a young age compelled him to step into adulthood prematurely to support his family, leading him to forgo a typical childhood experience.

Rema described the overwhelming responsibilities he faced as a teenager, which he felt forced him to “sell” his childhood. “Life changed drastically when I lost my dad and my brother,” he said. “I had to shoulder a lot of weight and provide for my family, which made me grow up too fast.”

The artist also reflected on his rapid rise in the music industry. Despite his initial ambitions to explore various hustles in Ghana, music unexpectedly took off, intensifying his journey. The swift ascent to fame brought with it a whirlwind of adult responsibilities and serious meetings, leaving Rema feeling disconnected from his peers.

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“I never really had the chance to hang out with people my age,” Rema noted. “When I was 17, I wasn’t around other 17-year-olds, and by 20, I was surrounded by people who were much older. It felt like my life was on a never-ending serious track.”

With his new project, Rema aims to reclaim some of the youthful freedom he missed out on. He shared that his music now serves as an outlet for his desire to feel young and rebellious. “I just want to be a child again, to make mistakes and feel free without the weight of adult expectations,” he said. “I’ve channeled that longing into my music.”

Rema’s journey underscores the emotional toll of fame and the personal sacrifices that often accompany a rapid rise to success. His openness about these struggles highlights his ongoing quest to balance his personal desires with the pressures of his high-profile career.