BEHIND THE STITCH: ALANI
June 21, 2024
No Comments
Rema has achieved what many artists spend a lifetime chasing–a global spotlight that cements his name in music history. March 2025 saw the Nigerian Afrobeat sensation grace the cover of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music issue, a defining moment that showcased not just his meteoric rise but his undeniable influence on the future of music, with him being the first Black African act to be featured. In an accompanying in-depth interview, he delved into his journey from Benin City to global stardom, the creation of his genre-bending Afro-rave movement, and his deep-seated philosophy on love, identity, and legacy. Just days after the magazine’s release, Rema brought his energy to Austin, Texas, where he performed at the Rolling Stone “Future of Music” showcase at SXSW 2025. Held at Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater on March 14, the performance was a sonic spectacle, marking a defining moment in his ever-evolving career. This three-tiered milestone–a prestigious cover feature, a candid interview, and a high-profile SXSW performance–was more than just a media blitz. It was a declaration. Rema has arrived, and he’s here to stay.
Rema’s Rolling Stone cover for the Future of Music feature certainly serves to cement his place as an Afrobeats trailblazer, with visuals that exude confidence and high-fashion sensibilities. The cover shot is a striking close-up, capturing Rema’s piercing gaze beneath a vibrant red beanie. He wears an intricately embroidered deep green bomber jacket, left unzipped to reveal layers of glistening diamond chains. His Supreme waistband peeks out just above his pants, adding a touch of streetwear rebellion.
Another shot features him fully showcasing this edgy ensemble, his sculpted torso visible beneath the unzipped jacket as he leans into the camera, embodying effortless cool. Switching up the energy, Rema embraces a bold, retro-meets-modern aesthetic in another frame, wearing a dark brown leather varsity jacket over oversized navy blue culottes. The look is punctuated by knee-high white socks with graphic details and a pair of sleek, glossy red loafers. His hair is twisted into sharp braids, completing the structured yet fluid feel of the outfit.
Finally, in a more artistic and introspective shot, Rema is captured in a dynamic pose that many liken to one by the iconic WWE wrestler, Randy Orton, his arms raised to showcase every groove of his ripped arms. Dressed in a minimalist black tank top that accentuates his toned physique and layered in the outstanding HEIS neckpiece, he pairs the look with a durag, adding an air of quiet intensity.
Across all these visuals, the styling merges streetwear influences with high fashion, reinforcing Rema’s reputation as both a musical and cultural vanguard.
Beyond the striking visuals, Rolling Stone UK presented Rema in a raw and introspective light. In the interview, he reflected on his role as a provider for his family, expressing gratitude for how far they’ve come despite the tragic loss of his father and elder brother–an occurrence that was even more tragic for the role it played in plunging them into financial hardship. He opened up about the struggles that shaped him, recalling how, at a young age, he had to take responsibility for his family–even running away at one point to make ends meet. Unlike many overnight success stories, Rema’s journey was forged through resilience, a trait he credits for his fearless approach to both music and life.
As the pioneer of Afro-rave, a genre he describes as a fusion of Afrobeats, hip-hop, house, R&B, and dancehall, Rema spoke about his mission to push African music beyond its current boundaries. He expressed deep gratitude to the legends who paved the way before him and made it clear that his purpose goes beyond mere success. For him, Afrobeats is not just a sound–it’s a movement, a revolution, a cultural force that deserves global recognition on its own terms.
He also talked about the current dynamics in hip-hop and his personal experiences with public perception. Reflecting on the prominent rivalry between Kendrick Lamar and Drake, he acknowledged the competitive nature of such “beefs” but also expressed caution about how narratives can be distorted in pop culture. He shared, “Any story can be made up. Random stories have been made up about me being Illuminati, worshiping the devil, drinking blood.” Despite the controversies surrounding Drake, Rema conveyed his willingness to collaborate with him, stating he would do so “happily.”
Beyond these insights, Rema discussed his upcoming debut at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2025, expressing excitement about bringing Afrobeat to a global stage alongside fellow African artists like Seun Kuti, Amaarae, and Tyla, whilst dispelling rumors about a relationship between himself and Tyla.
One of the most poignant moments of the interview came when Rema spoke about love–not just in the romantic sense, but as a core philosophy that guides his artistry. He described love as the force that has kept him grounded, healed him in his darkest moments, and given him a reason to create music that touches souls. “Love is why I do this. It’s why I fight to be heard. It’s what keeps me alive in a world that doesn’t always make sense,” he admitted. He also touched on his love for fashion, emphasizing how his bold choices reflect his artistic vision, his need to challenge conventions, and his desire to present African creativity in ways that the world hasn’t seen before.
Just days after the Rolling Stone UK issue hit the stands, Rema electrified the stage at SXSW 2025’s “Future of Music” showcase–the 3rd annual Rolling Stone Future of Music event. Held on March 14, 2025, at the Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater, this event spotlighted artists shaping the future soundscape. Rema’s performance was among the festival’s most anticipated, reflecting his soaring global prominence. Taking the stage with unwavering confidence, Rema delivered a high-energy set that left an indelible mark on the audience. His performance featured a selection of his most celebrated tracks, including “Dumebi,” “Calm Down,” “Baby (Is It a Crime),” “Azaman,” “DND,” “HEHEHE,” and “Ozeba.”
From the moment he stepped on stage, the atmosphere was electric. The audience–an eclectic mix of industry insiders, hardcore fans, and curious festivalgoers–was completely locked in, singing along to every lyric and moving to every beat. Rema’s stage presence was magnetic, effortlessly blending Afrobeats rhythms with stellar production that made his set feel like both a celebration of African music and a glimpse into its future. Throughout the night, his charisma, vocal control, and seamless transitions between sounds reinforced why he is considered one of the most important voices of his generation.
Beyond the music, his SXSW performance signified something deeper–a shift in the global music landscape. The presence of an Afrobeat artist headlining a showcase designed to spotlight the future of music was a bold statement about the genre’s growing global influence. This wasn’t just a Nigerian artist performing at an international festival. This was Afrobeats taking center stage, commanding respect, and proving that it belongs in the conversation about where music is headed.
Between his Rolling Stone UK cover, his intimate interview, and his unforgettable SXSW performance, Rema has achieved a career-defining moment that solidifies his status as an international powerhouse. His flair for fashion, fearless approach to music, and deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats have made him a force that can no longer be ignored. This wasn’t just a media blitz–it was a cultural shift, a statement that Rema is not just another Afrobeats star. He is an innovator, a leader, and a defining figure in the future of global music. From Benin City to the world, Rema’s reign has only just begun.
