Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubo, better known as Rema, admitted that his 2019 hit song “Dumebi” was largely composed of nonsensical words. The confession, made during a recent CNN interview on October 7, 2024, has ignited a fierce debate about the nature of songwriting in the genre and the balance between melody and lyrical content.
As the sun set over Lagos’ bustling music district, Rema’s words echoed through studios and social media channels alike. The 24-year-old artist, signed to Jonzing World (an imprint of Don Jazzy’s Mavin Records), painted a vivid picture of the song’s unconventional creation.
“I was just vibing, I was just being free with my music,” Rema explained, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “It’s quite genius to let people dance to something that doesn’t exist.”
The revelation has shed new light on “Dumebi,” a track that was released on March 24, 2019, as the third single from Rema’s self-titled debut EP. Before the global success of “Calm Down,” “Dumebi” stood as one of Rema’s most popular and recognizable songs.
Rema’s account of “Dumebi’s” creation offers a fascinating glimpse into the often mysterious world of hit-making. According to the artist, the song began as 16 bars of pure gibberish – a freestyle flow of sounds rather than coherent words.
It was D’Prince, Don Jazzy’s brother and head of Jonzing World, who recognized the potential in Rema’s improvised melody. D’Prince heard something special in those nonsense lyrics,” music producer Adekunle Adeyemi noted. It’s a testament to the importance of melody and feel in Afrobeats.”
As news of Rema’s revelation spread, industry insiders and fans alike were quick to weigh in on the implications for Afrobeats songwriting.
Veteran songwriter Oluwa Burna offered his perspective: “What Rema did with ‘Dumebi’ isn’t new. Many great songs start as gibberish melodies. The genius is in recognizing which ones have that special something.”
Others, like music critic Funmi Adeosun, raised questions about the balance between artistry and commercialism. While it’s impressive that ‘Dumebi’ connected with so many people, we must ask if this approach undermines the lyrical depth that many associate with great music.”
Social media platforms exploded with reactions from fans, ranging from amusement to disappointment. Twitter user @duh_itsflo praised Rema’s approach: “It’s soo true, definitely genius. People care about melody first and lyrics second. That’s what makes music so powerful.”
However, not all reactions were positive. Instagram user @officialmaneel lamented: “And I’m here trying to put better lyrics inside song. Omooo…. If you hear me speak in tongues in my song, just nod head and ignore.”
Rema’s confession comes at a time when Afrobeats is gaining unprecedented global recognition. The genre, known for its infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, has been making waves on international charts.
Music historian Dr. Oluwaseun Adebayo contextualizes the phenomenon: “Afrobeats’ global appeal often lies in its ability to transcend language barriers. ‘Dumebi’ is a perfect example of how a great melody can connect with listeners worldwide, regardless of lyrical content.”
As the night deepened in Lagos, the implications of Rema’s revelation continued to reverberate through the music industry. Many are now questioning what this means for the future of Afrobeats songwriting.
Will we see more artists prioritizing melody over lyrics?” pondered radio host Chioma Eze. Or will this push for a renewed focus on meaningful songwriting?
For his part, Rema seems unfazed by the debate his words have sparked. Music is about feeling,” he stated towards the end of his CNN interview. “If it makes you dance, if it touches your soul, does it matter what the words mean?”
As dawn breaks on a new day in the Afrobeats scene, Rema’s “Dumebi” stands as a testament to the genre’s ability to connect with listeners on a primal, emotional level. Whether this revelation will change the approach of aspiring artists or cement the importance of melody in hit-making remains to be seen. One thing is certain: the conversation around songwriting in Afrobeats has been forever changed.
