“Rema Reveals the Untold Story Behind ‘Dumebi’: How a Simple Freestyle Became a Global Hit”

 

Nigerian superstar Rema has finally opened up about the surprising origin of his breakout hit, “Dumebi.” In a revelation that has shocked many fans, the singer explained that the chart-topping single—now considered one of Afrobeats’ biggest global records—was never planned or deeply structured. Instead, it was born from a random freestyle he never expected to blow.

According to Rema, the journey began in August 2018, long before the world discovered the raw, unique sound that would eventually dominate charts and playlists worldwide. The young artist recalled walking into a studio session where producer Ozedikus had just wrapped up a long day. Exhausted from hours of work, Ozedikus mentioned he had created a beat he personally liked, but surprisingly, every other artist had rejected it.

Intrigued, Rema asked if he could listen to the beat. As soon as the instrumental came on, something clicked. Without overthinking or trying too hard, he began to vibe freely, letting melodies and lyrics flow naturally. It wasn’t a planned session, nor did he sit down to write the song. Instead, the now-famous track emerged from a spontaneous burst of creativity.

Rema explained that the recording happened effortlessly. He simply allowed his emotions, rhythm, and instinct to guide him. What he created that night was raw, unpolished, and unexpected—but it held a special kind of magic.

The next day, Rema returned to the studio and played the freestyle for the manager. To his surprise, the manager instantly fell in love with it. Rema, still unsure of the record’s potential, told him he wanted to “add more words” and refine the track further. But the manager quickly stopped him, saying the song was already perfect in its original form.

And just like that, “Dumebi” was born—pure, unfiltered, and straight from the heart.

The song went on to change Rema’s life forever. Released in 2019 under Mavin Records and Jonzing World, “Dumebi” became an explosive sensation across Africa and beyond. It topped numerous charts, dominated radio airplay, and introduced the world to Rema’s refreshing sound. Its success opened global doors, earning him millions of fans, international collaborations, worldwide performances, and recognition as one of the leaders of the new Afrobeats generation.

Rema’s revelation highlights something powerful: sometimes the biggest hits are the ones that come effortlessly. In his words, he didn’t expect the freestyle to go anywhere, much less become a global anthem. But its authenticity, youthful energy, and catchy rhythm resonated deeply with listeners worldwide.

Today, “Dumebi” remains one of the most iconic Afrobeats songs of the last decade. Its music video has amassed massive views, the dance challenge went viral, and the song continues to stream heavily across platforms.

Rema’s story is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of creativity. A beat everyone else rejected became the foundation of a global hit. A freestyle became a career-defining moment. And a young artist’s instinct turned into one of the most celebrated records in modern African music.

As Rema continues to dominate the global scene, this behind-the-scenes revelation gives fans a deeper appreciation for his artistry—and the magic that brought “Dumebi” to life.