I didn’t take life seriously until my dad passed away

Divine Ikubor, the budding Nigerian singer popularly known by his stage name, Rema, has said that losing his dad at an early age shaped his mind.

According to the ‘Holiday’ crooner he didn’t take life seriously while growing up until he lost his father, after which he realised the importance of family.

Speaking as a guest on the Afrobeats podcast hosted by Adesope Olajide, Rema revealed that he used to be very playfully and uncoordinated but all that changed after the demise of Mr Ikubor.

The award-winning artiste said; “It [losing my dad] shaped me, to be honest. It shaped my mindset, my mood, you know.

“There was a point in time I was very colourful, I would say. I was funny, running around and unserious. I never took life seriously until when I lost my dad. And it just shows different sides of people. It just shows the importance of family as well.

“Yeah, as siblings we might have our fights, quarrels but you never know when you will just not see them again; the people you are closest to. For my dad, my dad used to call me a soldier.”

In other news…

Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates earlier revealed that his youngest daughter, Phoebe, was excited about his trip to Nigeria because of two Afrobeats stars.

The billionaire said this on Wednesday, 21st of June 2023 21 while delivering his opening address at an event in Lagos State.

Gates revealed how his 20-year-old child expressed gladness when she learnt that he was visiting Nigeria and the possibility of meeting the musicians, Burna Boy and Rema. He said she told him that he was lucky because he will get a chance the two global singers.

The American business mogul also recalled watching Wizkid and Burna perform during his last visit to Nigeria. He further noted that Nigeria is filled with creative minds and Afrobeats from Nigeria are popular everywhere.

“Of course, being here in Nigeria, I can’t help but mention the amazing creativity that goes on here. Afrobeats from Nigeria are popular everywhere.

When my daughter Phoebe heard I was coming to Nigeria, she said, ‘You’re lucky because you get to see Burna Boy and Rema, so I had to look them up…because I’m so hip,” Gates said.

He added; “But I also remember, the last time I was here, I did get to see Davido and Wizkid perform and I was quite impressed with that. So, my kids think I’ve come to a very hip place”.