Nigerian Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has explained why he avoids excessively displaying his wealth and achievements on social media, saying he does not want young people to feel pressured by his success.
The 26-year-old singer made the remarks during an interview with Jam FM, where he discussed his influence on young people who admire his career and aspire to achieve similar success.
Rema said he recognises that many young people look up to him, whether they are his fans or not, and that he is mindful of how his lifestyle could affect their self-esteem and expectations.
“A lot of young people look up to me, whether they are my fans or not. I have something they want or dream of, so I do my best not to make anyone feel bad about themselves or feel pressured,” he said.
The singer noted that some people feel compelled to accelerate their progress when they see others their age achieving success, warning against the pressure to measure personal milestones against another person’s journey.
“Everybody has their time but some people just want to rush it because they see their fellow young person doing well,” Rema said.
He added that although some people have advised him not to worry about whether his lifestyle might put pressure on others, he remains conscious that his public image could be interpreted differently by different audiences.
Rema also extended his concerns to the pressure some children face from their parents, particularly over education and career choices.
“I just care about the kids who are under pressure. Parents do that as well. Parents compare a lot. Parents put a lot of kids under pressure,” he said.
He explained that some young people end up studying courses they do not want because their parents expect them to secure well-paying jobs.
The singer said he prefers to keep his personal style simple rather than constantly showcase expensive designer clothing, adding that streetwear suits his preferences.
“So, I don’t want anybody to rush their time or pressure themselves because of me. I just like to keep it simple. That is one reason I enjoy streetwear. I really don’t do too many designers. The only thing that is really lavish about me may be my chains or watches,” he said.
Rema’s comments highlight his concern about social comparison and the expectations placed on young people as they navigate their own ambitions, careers and personal development.
