Album Review: Rema – HEIS

Genre: Afropop
Label: Mavin / Jonzing World / Interscope
Released: July 11, 2024

Format: LP

“Who would have thought Rema would transition from his juvenile, colorful persona to the dark and mysterious one he now embodies? Many fans are struggling to accept this new direction, as his music now caters to a global audience rather than just Africa.”

A few days ago, I conducted a poll on X to determine which album to review first. The options included Rema's HEIS, Childish Gambino's Bando Stone and The New World, and Denzel Curry's King Of The Mischievous South Vol. 2. I invited people to vote for the album they believed deserved the first review. To my surprise, Rema triumphed over both Childish Gambino and Denzel Curry in the polls. I sought public participation to understand their preferences and to make the review process easier by starting with the most popular choice. HEIS won with 58% of the votes. In this review, I aim to analyze Rema's sophomore effort, allowing you to appreciate the artistry and creativity involved in its creation and gain valuable insights by the end.

Who would have thought Rema would transition from his juvenile, colorful persona to the dark and mysterious one he now embodies? Many fans are struggling to accept this new direction, as his music now caters to a global audience rather than just Africa. His decision to be different should be respected and celebrated because he is taking risks that many African artists fear, worried about damaging their image and brand. HEIS challenges both old and new fans to adapt and embrace change. At 24, Rema should indeed break musical boundaries and not be confined to a single style. Artists should embrace innovation and risk-taking, as these factors are crucial for artistic growth and expanding their fan base. Rema exemplifies this approach.

HEIS opens with the high-energy "MARCH AM," a track that immediately gets your head nodding. It’s a well-produced piece with catchy rhythms and instrumentals that captivate the listener, welcoming you into Rema's lively world. The creativity in this production is impressive. The next track, "AZAMAN," is both danceable and striking, with Rema sounding lively and joyful. The instrumental blends modern Afrobeats with traditional Nigerian music, celebrating both past and contemporary culture. This evocative track appeals to both older and newer generations. "HEHEHE" is perfect for the club scene and has strong TikTok potential. This ecstasy-infused track reveals a distinct side of Rema, influenced by hip-hop artist Playboi Carti, evident in the similar vocal pitch. If you listen closely, you'll notice and appreciate the subtle differences.

"YAYO" is vibrant, blending Amapiano and Afrobeats into an extraordinary piece of art. It's straightforward and well-written, with a beat that feels tailor-made for Rema. This track could have made an even greater impact if it featured Asake or Chris Brown, both of whom are versatile and deliver timeless performances in such genres. Nonetheless, it stands out, showcasing Rema's ability to carry the energy solo. Following this, we are treated to another Amapiano production on "BENIN BOYS," featuring the renowned Shallipopi. The transition from "YAYO" to "BENIN BOYS" is a major highlight of HEIS. The chemistry between Rema and Shallipopi is reciprocal, as they complement each other effortlessly, allowing both their presences to be felt without overshadowing one another.

On the titular track "HEIS," Rema delivers an outstanding performance, solidifying his legacy early on. The hook is catchy and will undoubtedly resonate with East Africans, especially Kenyans and Tanzanians, as it is written in Swahili, “Ni nani hatari, ni nani mnoma sana? Ni wewe/ Ni nani anabamba, ni nani mkali sana? Ni wewe/ Ni nani anatamba, ni nani avuma sana? Ni wewe/ Ni nani ndo bingwa? Ni we, ni we.” With its effective delivery, it will resonate widely, being memorable and easy to sing along to. This track stands out with its use of three distinctive languages: Yoruba, Swahili, and English. "WAR MACHINE" is another highlight, bringing the album to a close. It features the heavyweight artist ODUMODUBLVCK, adding energy and intensity. This track will undoubtedly relate with the youth, with its anthemic quality and lyrics like “Jiggy boy, I go pull up in expensive toy/ Like Burna Boy, okala madu, okala muo,” which use slang understood by the current generation.

HEIS represents a significant advancement for Rema and is likely to remain modern even a decade from now. It is a progressive and innovative body of work that merits listening in its entirety. Rema is clearly the future of Afrobeats, exhibiting all the traits of an artist who anticipates and shapes future trends. HEIS is cohesive and exquisitely refined, making it an ideal album for parties, workouts, or staying focused during tasks, as its 27-minute duration offers ample replay value.

Rema has once again achieved a milestone that is truly unique. HEIS provides a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and creating a sequel that matches its impact would be a formidable challenge if Rema ever considers it.

Outstanding Tracks: "WAR MACHINE", "BENIN BOYS", "HEIS", "YAYO"

Album Score: 8.8/10