Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Rema recently shared how losing his father and brother at a young age forced him to sacrifice his childhood to support his family. In a heartfelt interview with GRM, the 24-year-old artist revealed that the weight of these tragedies thrust him into early adulthood, leaving little room for the carefree experiences typically enjoyed by children. Rema expressed a deep longing to “feel young again” and spoke candidly about how the pressures of adulthood have shaped his life and career.
Reflecting on his journey, Rema described how he had to shoulder the responsibilities of adulthood early on, which significantly impacted his outlook on life. Despite the success that followed, Rema admitted that the fast-paced nature of fame further accelerated his maturity, isolating him from peers his age. He shared how the demands of his career left him feeling disconnected from his agemates, contributing to his desire to reclaim some of the youthful freedom he missed out on.
Rema also touched on the complexities of being in the spotlight, where even minor mistakes are heavily scrutinized. He expressed frustration with the pressures of constantly being under public scrutiny and the lack of space to make typical youthful errors without facing harsh judgment. Rema’s story is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices that often accompany early fame.
As he continues to navigate his career, Rema hopes to channel his desire for youthful rebellion and freedom into his music, using it as an outlet to reconnect with the childlike joy he feels he missed out on. His reflections offer a glimpse into the emotional challenges faced by young stars and the enduring impact of early life experiences on their personal and professional lives.