Rema Charts a New Course for Afrobeat with the Release of ‘Heis'

This past week marked a pivotal moment for Afrobeat music, as Rema has made a triumphant return with the highly anticipated release of his second studio album, titled ‘Heis.’ With a total of 11 tracks condensed into just under 30 minutes, listeners are in for a thrilling ride. It’s fast-paced nature and high-intensity beats signal a new era in Rema’s discography, showcasing his evolution within Nigerian music and the genre’s boundless potential.

The 24-year-old has been experimenting with a variety of new sounds over the past couple of years, embarking on a relentless run of releasing new music in 2023 and currently showing no signs of slowing down in 2024. Nonetheless, the weight of expectation on his shoulders is now higher than ever, largely due to the success of the hit single ‘Calm Down,’ which has propelled Rema into the ranks of the top 10 most streamed Afrobeat artists worldwide on Spotify.

With only a couple of features throughout the album, it is evident that the music is dedicated to showcasing his new sound in its purest form. However, the tracks that do include features, such as ‘WAR MACHINE’ with ODUMODUBLVCK and ‘BENIN BOYS’ with Shallipopi, seamlessly integrate with Rema’s solo production.

In fact, ‘BENIN BOYS’ currently stands out as one of the strongest tracks on the entire album, boasting the highest streaming numbers so far. Other standout hits include ‘Heis’ itself, which perfectly captures the essence of Afrobeat music and makes you feel like you could be starring in a game of Temple Run due to its fast-paced nature. The same can also be said for ‘VILLAIN’ and ‘OZEBA,’ as they both maintain a captivating speed and flow that exhilarates listeners.

One of the very few drawbacks of this album is its departure from the tropical vibes of Rema’s previous work. If you’re seeking music that pairs well with a margarita on the beach, Heis may not meet those expectations, unfortunately.

The upside to this, however, is that his live performances promise to be filled with high energy from here on out. This was evident after he brought down the house with his set at London’s Wireless Festival over the weekend, a fitting stage to showcase his new album.

For those eager to embark on Rema’s journey through ‘Heis,’ you can listen to it using the link found below: