Grammy-nominated artist Rema has announced his first release of 2025, ‘Baby (Is It A Crime)’, scheduled to drop on February 7th. The announcement comes fresh off his appearance at the 67th Grammy Awards, where his album ‘HEIS’ competed for Best Global Album.
The anticipated single samples ‘Is It A Crime’ from British band Sade’s acclaimed album ‘Promise’, marking a significant artistic direction for the Afrobeats sensation. This creative choice demonstrates Rema’s continued evolution as he bridges classic influences with contemporary African sounds.
The track follows the commercial and critical success of his 2024 sophomore album ‘HEIS’, which solidified his position as a leading voice in global music. The album, featuring hits ‘Azaman’ and ‘Ozeba’, showcased Rema’s commitment to elevating Nigerian music while maintaining his signature party-ready sound.
Rema’s trajectory in the music industry has been marked by groundbreaking achievements, including becoming the first Afrobeats artist to surpass both 1 billion Spotify streams and 1 billion YouTube views. These milestones underscore his role in expanding the global reach of African music.
Though he didn’t secure the Grammy win, which went to Matt B & the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘Alkebulan II’, the nomination itself represents the growing recognition of Afrobeats in mainstream music circles. The new single arrives at a crucial moment in Rema’s career, as he prepares to embark on a European tour that includes a headline show at Paris’s prestigious 20K Accor Arena.
The timing of ‘Baby (Is It A Crime)’ suggests a strategic move to maintain momentum following his Grammy appearance. The choice to sample Sade, a British-Nigerian icon, appears deliberate, potentially bridging generational and cultural gaps while paying homage to one of music’s most influential artists.
‘HEIS’, released in 2024, demonstrated Rema’s dedication to pushing creative boundaries while honoring Nigerian musical heritage. The album’s success established new benchmarks for African artists in the global music market, combining commercial appeal with cultural authenticity.
The announcement has generated significant buzz across social media platforms, with fans eagerly anticipating how Rema will interpret Sade’s classic sound through his contemporary Afrobeats lens. Music industry observers note that this release could further cement his position as a cultural bridge between African music and global pop.
As streaming numbers continue to demonstrate Afrobeats’ growing global appeal, Rema’s new single is positioned to capitalize on this momentum. His consistent ability to deliver hits while pushing artistic boundaries has established him as a reliable hitmaker and cultural innovator.
The upcoming European tour, coinciding with this release, presents an opportunity for Rema to showcase his evolution as an artist to international audiences. His selection of the 20K Accor Arena as a tour venue reflects the scale of his ambitions and the growing demand for Afrobeats in European markets.
This release marks another chapter in Rema’s rapid ascent within the global music industry, promising to blend his innovative approach with respectful nods to musical legends who paved the way. As anticipation builds for ‘Baby (Is It A Crime)’, the single stands poised to contribute to Afrobeats’ continuing global expansion while solidifying Rema’s position as one of the genre’s most forward-thinking artists.
