Rema pushes boundaries in “HEIS” however struggles with cohesion

Fondly described as “the prince of Afrobeats,” Rema has gained approval for his distinctive type, vibrant power and virtually solo hits within the final 5 years.

At 24, this rising star has shortly ascended past the partitions of the Afrobeats business.

His newest album, “HEIS,” builds on the success of his debut album, “Rave & Roses,” which featured the worldwide hit “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez.

Following his 2024 single “Hehehe,” the album contains 11 tracks, every lower than 3 minutes, totaling 27 and 38 seconds.

Born Divine Okubo, Rema has typically blended Afrobeats with different genres and pioneered the Afrorave subgenre.

The album’s lyric visualiser for tracks like “Ozeba,” “Hehehe,” and “March Am” is out, with others in lyric video format.

Earlier than the album’s launch, the promotion started with a gothic-style “HEIS” brand paying homage to Batman’s bat sign, hinting at a mix of gothic, rock, and Afrobeats.

This album title has been his username for a very long time.

On the album’s listening celebration, Rema surprisingly shared that “HEIS” derives from the Greek phrase “εἷς”, that means “primary,” symbolising unity and singularity. Rema acknowledged, “‘HEIS’ has been my identify since 2019, a Greek phrase that means primary.”

“HEIS” is also signified as supremacy, authority, and the most well-liked.

Rema’s sophomore album, “HEIS,” is a whirlwind 28-minute journey via Afrobeats, showcasing his signature sound whereas exploring new territories.

Manufacturing evaluation

All through the album, Rema showcases his willingness to experiment with totally different sounds and types. That is evident within the manufacturing fusion of Afrobeats with different genres.

In comparison with his earlier album and traditional launch, in “HEIS,” he makes use of unconventional components like orchestral strings and synth-heavy beats.

The manufacturing staff consists of Producer Yo X, P.Prime, London, Alex Lustig, Altims, CuBeatz, Deats, Klimperboy, Rema, and Take a Daytrip.

The album’s writers embody Oredope Peace, Timothy Aluku, Alex Lustig, Altims, and Jack Antonoff.

The report is underneath Jonzing World and Mavin Data.

The producers behind “HEIS” have executed a formidable job mixing genres like Afrobeats, entice, and R&B, pushing artistic boundaries and highlighting Rema’s versatility as an artist. They fused these sounds seamlessly, creating a singular and interesting musical panorama.

Nonetheless, Rema’s need for unconventional beats and experimental types influenced the album’s route. Whereas this ambition is commendable, it has resulted in an absence of cohesion. The album’s numerous sounds felt disjointed, making following a constant musical narrative difficult.

On the optimistic aspect, the album’s manufacturing evokes power and creates physique motion and depth. Nonetheless, the tracks produced solely have upbeat power.

Monitor evaluation

At first teasers and hear, in my thoughts, I needed to ask, ‘What’s Rema as much as?’ Each subsequent play feels danceable, virtually like he wasn’t a preacher of affection this time and simply wished to come back laborious.

The album is marked by steady experimentation, staying true to pure Afrobeats and “Afrorave.” Rema tries to inform a cohesive story—a victory lap, a narrative of self-actualisation. All through the challenge, Rema declares, as a completely grown-up man, “I’ve executed it. That is my place within the recreation.”

The “HEIS” album continues Rema’s exploration of darker themes from his 2023 EP “Ravage.”

The album begins with “March Am,” an brisk anthem that units the tone for the remainder of the challenge. The observe is infused with orchestral strings, thumping drums, and even the sound of a automobile’s revving engine, showcasing Rema’s experimental method.

Regardless of the highly effective introduction, the repetitive barking sounds and the extended repetition of phrases could seem overdone to some listeners. The observe introduces a brand new type tailor-made for Gen Z however may really feel overstimulating attributable to its relentless tempo.

“Azaman” blends basic and fashionable components, creating an surprising but charming soundscape. The observe is a reward tune the place Rema hails influential figures, together with Don Jazzy and politicians. This inclusion of politicians could be polarising, because it raises questions concerning the sensitivity of musicians praising controversial public figures. The observe’s title, derived from Edo slang for a wealthy spender, underlines its theme of wealth and affluence.

“Hehehe” stands out with its distinctive sound, which isn’t fairly Amapiano however one thing contemporary and totally different. Rema embraces Western influences whereas sustaining a definite African essence. The observe is a jab at his haters, the place he proclaims his resilience and success.

Whereas he says he’s not going to take it straightforward on his haters, he references for the primary time the trademark line of controversial preacher Udumeje: “I’m not gonna take it straightforward with my haters, I’m gonna use my Abido shaker,” which implies extra extraordinary powers, because the preacher says. This utilization highlights Rema’s creativity and willingness to interrupt away from typical Afrobeats norms.

Oredope Peace and Timothy Aluku’s “Yayo” is a collaborative masterpiece that blends seamlessly with Rema’s type. The observe is nicely executed, with a robust manufacturing and refrain, although it feels much like the earlier observe.

Rema’s supply is on level, however it doesn’t provide a lot novelty in comparison with his earlier works.

The title observe, “HEIS,” reiterates Rema’s declare to greatness and authority within the music business. “Ni nani hatari, ni nani mnoma sana? Ni Wewe,” the Swalihi refrain sings finely, describing him as “The One.” “Who’s Badder, who’s on high, who’s uplifting? ……it’s you.”

Whereas the refrain and feminine vocals are nicely executed, the observe lacks the originality anticipated from Rema, given his publicity and stage expertise. It seems like a continuation of “Yayo,” with related themes and soundscapes.

“Ozeba,” which has Nigerian Edo roots that means “downside (Wahala on this context), is a nostalgic nod to the 2010s Afrobeats, with a playful verse and a barking type that’s puzzling but intriguing.

It appears like Wizkid’s “Italawa” impressed it, which makes it acquainted to long-time Afrobeats followers.

“Villain” is a standout observe that samples Lana Del Rey’s “A&W,” seamlessly mixing Afrobeats with Western influences. On this observe, he tells women to “shake it” and describes Tiwa Savage as a “high-quality lady.”

Rema makes use of “Now I Know” to trip on a unique theme. It’s a extra introspective observe the place he displays on his childhood and private progress. It offers a short respite from the album’s excessive power, providing a significant and relatable narrative.

The intro appears like a high-quality play on the “Cash Heist” signature tune, however with an added beat. Regardless of its depth, the album feels mid-tier, missing the expansion and innovation anticipated from Rema.

Collaboration

Rema appeared to skip a number of artistes in HEIS in comparison with his “Rave and Roses,” which featured Chris Brown, 6Black, Selena Gomez, and AJ Tracey.

This time, he determined to turn out to be useful with Nigerian singers Odumodublack and Shalipopi on his pre-release observe.

“Benin Boys,” that includes Shallipopi, is a tribute to Rema’s hometown. The observe promotes Benin tradition and pleasure, reinforcing Rema’s connection to his roots. That is particular due to Rema’s connection to Benin. The tune blends conventional African sounds with up to date Afrobeats, incorporating native devices and rhythms. Rema’s melodic method enhances Shallipopi’s rhythmic move, creating a way of pleasure and celebration.

“Battle Machine,” that includes ODUMODUBLVCK, is a high-energy observe with a strong verse from the Abuja rapper. It highlights Rema’s capacity to collaborate and convey out the very best in his options.

The observe options heavy beats, intense rhythms, and dynamic percussion. Rema’s melodic assertiveness contrasts with ODUMODUBLVCK’s gritty move, leading to a high-energy collaboration that showcases each artists’ dominance and confidence within the music business.

Themes

Rema’s album “HEIS” explores a number of key themes, reflecting his journey and mindset as an artist. These themes collectively paint an image of an artist who’s assured, formidable, and deeply linked to his cultural roots whereas additionally pushing the boundaries of his musical expression.

Self-actualisation and supremacy

The title “HEIS,” that means supremacy and authority, units the tone for the album, emphasising Rema’s assertion of his place within the music business. Songs like “March Am” and “Heis” spotlight his achievements and confidence in his skills. Rema emphasises his journey to success, resilience within the face of challenges, and the rewards of laborious work with “March Am.”

“Heis” observe refrain, which was in Swahili, praises him because the one on high, the hardest and the best.

Cultural pleasure and heritage

Rema delves into his roots, significantly in tracks like “Benin Boys,” the place he celebrates his Benin heritage alongside fellow artist Shallipopi. He amplifies the Edo hometown pleasure and brotherhood. He additionally musically explains the bond amongst his friends from Benin. With lyrics like,

“We’re the pleasure of Benin; Oba is meant to provide us a medal. Contact Benin, boy; you don contact the complete nation. Landing Benin boys (Ki-), gen-gen-gen (Eh)

Cash yapa, cash repete, Remy Ekehuan street, Shalli sapele.”

The incorporation of native languages and cultural references reinforces this theme.

Defiance and resilience

Rema’s lyrics typically convey a way of defiance towards critics and haters, as seen in tracks like “Hehehe.”

In “Ozeba,” Rema makes use of phrases like “What’s the matter? I’m going show to them say someone badder, depraved, eh (Eh?), I’m going do my greatest to make all of una vex, I don commit for my set. I don intercept; I don put the sport for reset, Shey, you wan gatekeep who sabi bounce fence, eh? I’m a father determine; I’m H-I-M.”

This theme reveals his resilience, willpower to keep up his distinctive identification, and soundness in adversity.

Materialism and wealth

The theme of materialism is outstanding in songs like “Azaman,” the place Rema praises rich people and highlights the significance of economic success. In lyrics, references like “Dangote na baba, Elumelu, Otedola, Bayo Ogunlesi na baba. Governor Obaseki, Uku Apolokpolo na baba.

“Eh, Don Jazyy na baba. Many males dey wey gallant. Name aza-man.”

This observe focuses on pursuing wealth, boasting about achievements, and the popularity that comes with success.

Songs like “Yayo” even have lyrics like, “Early morning, I dey bomb, cash dey for my account.”

Introspection

Whereas a lot of the album is high-energy and assertive, there are moments of introspection, corresponding to in “Now I Know,” the place Rema displays on his childhood and private progress. This provides depth to the album, balancing the extra aggressive tracks.

In “Villian,” he says, “I dey hustle since folks dey chortle at me. The way in which I dey run my issues, I do it in another way, now dem dey copy me. He additionally says, “As soon as a superhero, I’m now the villain.

Essential Flaws

The album lacks lyrical depth and complexity, typically focusing extra on repetitive themes. This departs from the extra substantive storytelling that some followers could count on from him.

The manufacturing had similarities throughout the album. Whereas polished, it may be described as considerably homogeneous. Some tracks blended into one another with out distinct variations, which may make the album really feel monotonous.

Experimental dangers

In an try to interrupt the bars of your musical type, it’s typically dangerous for an artist to strive contemporary sounds all via an album and never a single.

Whereas Rema is understood for mixing totally different genres, some tracks on “HEIS” may be too experimental for specific listeners. This led to a blended reception, as not all of his experiments resonated nicely with the viewers.

Rema’s heavy reliance on hooks and choruses in some tracks was a weak spot, probably overshadowing the verses and decreasing the general lyrical affect.

Wavy messaging

Inconsistency was evident within the album’s theme and execution. Rema photos himself as primary in his message, however whereas particular person tracks may stand out, the album can really feel disjointed. Whereas some tracks emphasise supremacy and being on the high, others give attention to typical Afropop subjects like partying and wealth.

The album doesn’t have a simple, cohesive narrative that ties all of the tracks collectively underneath the theme of being primary. This could make it tough for listeners to understand a unified route or message from begin to end.

Manufacturing homogeneity

Whereas wealthy in top quality and power, the manufacturing throughout the album lacks selection, which might have been used to spotlight totally different points of Rema’s supremacy and flexibility as an artist. The same soundscape may make the thematic components really feel much less distinct.

Missed Alternatives for Deeper Exploration:

There are alternatives throughout the album the place Rema might have delved deeper into what makes him supreme or primary within the business, corresponding to exploring his journey, challenges, and distinctive qualities extra completely.

READ ALSO: Rema will get $3 million to carry out ‘Calm Down’ at Anant Ambani’s wedding ceremony

Verdict

Extra than simply his common type of music, Rema’s sophomore album, “HEIS,” boldly explores new musical territories, mixing Afrobeats with components of entice and R&B. The singer dominantly integrates conventional and native African sounds into fashionable beats.

Nonetheless, whereas “HEIS” demonstrates Rema’s ambition and experimental spirit, it falls in need of cementing his place with this type on the forefront of the music business. The album wants cohesive storytelling and lyrical depth, with some tracks feeling repetitive and disjointed. Regardless of its standout moments, the album’s thematic inconsistency and manufacturing similarities forestall it from attaining its full potential.

Rema’s “HEIS” album is rated 4/10.