Rema Opens Up on Dark Side of Fame: ‘I Was Exploited, Drugged as a Young Star’

Nigerian Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has spoken candidly about the emotional and personal struggles he faced after rising to fame at a very young age, revealing that early stardom came with painful experiences he is only now beginning to process.

The singer made the revelations through lyrics in his new collaboration with French pianist Sofiane Pamart titled Moviestar, where he reflects on exploitation, pressure, and the hidden cost of celebrity life.

Rema, who broke into the spotlight in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records and releasing his debut EP at just 19, suggested that fame exposed him to situations he was not emotionally prepared for.

In the track, he alleges that he was taken advantage of during his early years in the industry, including claims that he was drugged by women while still a teenager navigating sudden success.

He also paints a picture of emotional detachment, describing how his happiness was often influenced by others around him and how trust became complicated in his personal relationships.

The singer further reflects on the pressure that came with his record deal, suggesting that expectations to constantly perform and entertain left little room for his mental and emotional wellbeing.

According to him, many fans fail to understand his pain because they only see the public image, not the private struggles behind the music.

Rema’s reflections add to a growing conversation about the mental health challenges young artists face in the entertainment industry, particularly those who rise to fame at an early age.

Neither Rema nor his record label has issued a formal statement beyond the lyrical content of the song.