Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has explained why he deliberately avoids flaunting his wealth and career achievements on social media, saying he does not want his success to put unnecessary pressure on young people who look up to him.
The singer, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, shared his thoughts during an interview with Jam FM, explaining that he understands the influence he has on young people, including those who are not necessarily his fans.
According to Rema, some young people admire his achievements and dream of reaching a similar level of success. However, he worries that constantly displaying his expensive possessions and luxurious lifestyle could make those still struggling feel inadequate or push them to rush their own journeys.
The 26-year-old musician said he prefers to be mindful of how he presents himself publicly, rather than contribute to the pressure young people already experience from society, social media and their families.
Here are five key takeaways from the singer’s comments.
READ ALSO: Melania Trump Helps Secure “Temporary Ceasefire Between Russia and Ukraine
1. Rema Knows Young People Look Up to Him
Rema acknowledged that his success has made him a role model for many young people who hope to achieve similar things in their own lives.
He said he recognises that his achievements represent something many young people aspire to, making him conscious of how his lifestyle might affect them.
“A lot of young people look up to me, whether they are my fans or not. I have something they want or dream of, so I do my best not to make anyone feel bad about themselves or feel pressured,” he said.
The singer’s position reflects his concern that celebrity lifestyles can sometimes create unrealistic expectations, particularly among young people who are still building their careers and financial stability.
Rather than encouraging others to measure themselves against his success, Rema said he wants them to understand that everyone has their own journey.
2. He Warns Against Rushing Success Through Comparison
Rema also spoke about the pressure young people can experience when they compare their progress with that of others their age.
He explained that seeing another young person achieve fame, wealth or professional success can make some people feel they are falling behind.
“Everybody has their time but some people just want to rush it because they see their fellow young person doing well,” he said.
His concern is that constant comparison can encourage people to make decisions based on impatience rather than their own circumstances, interests and opportunities.
For young Nigerians navigating education, employment, entrepreneurship and financial challenges, the message is particularly relevant in an online environment where achievements are often presented through carefully selected photographs and videos.
A celebrity’s public lifestyle rarely reveals the full journey behind the success, including the time, opportunities, setbacks and support that may have contributed to it.
Rema’s comments encourage young people to pursue their ambitions without treating another person’s achievements as a deadline for their own lives.
3. The Singer Says Parents Can Also Put Children Under Pressure
Beyond social media, Rema identified parental expectations as another source of pressure for young people.
He argued that some parents compare their children with others and push them towards particular courses or careers because they believe those paths will lead to well-paying jobs.
“I just care about the kids who are under pressure. Parents do that as well. Parents compare a lot. Parents put a lot of kids under pressure,” he said.
The singer suggested that some students end up studying subjects they do not genuinely want to pursue because their parents prioritise financial security and conventional ideas of success.
His remarks highlight a familiar challenge for families: balancing the desire to provide children with stability against the need to respect their interests, abilities and personal ambitions.
Although financial security is an important consideration when choosing a career, Rema’s comments raise questions about what happens when external expectations leave young people feeling that their own goals do not matter.
His central message is that young people should not feel compelled to follow somebody else’s timeline or life plan simply to satisfy comparisons and expectations.
4. Rema Prefers Streetwear Over Constant Designer Fashion
The singer also explained that his approach to displaying wealth influences his fashion choices.
Rather than frequently wearing expensive designer labels, he said he enjoys streetwear and prefers to keep his overall appearance relatively simple.
“I just like to keep it simple. That is one reason I enjoy streetwear. I really don’t do too many designers,” he said.
However, Rema acknowledged that some aspects of his appearance remain luxurious, particularly his jewellery and watches.
“The only thing that is really lavish about me may be my chains or watches,” he added.
His comments do not mean he rejects luxury or that he never spends money on expensive items. Instead, he explained that he does not want to make flaunting his wealth a defining feature of his public image.
The distinction is important because his concern is less about what successful people own and more about how their public displays of wealth might affect those who admire them.
5. His Message Is About Patience and Personal Progress
Rema’s comments ultimately centre on allowing people to develop at their own pace.
The singer said he does not want young people to pressure themselves because of his achievements or feel that they must quickly match his lifestyle.
His position also touches on the wider influence celebrities have in an era when social media allows fans to follow their favourite stars almost constantly.
For some users, these platforms provide inspiration and motivation. For others, repeated exposure to displays of wealth, expensive purchases and glamorous lifestyles can encourage unhealthy comparisons.
Rema’s message is that admiration should not become a reason to feel inadequate about personal progress.
His comments also invite parents and other role models to consider how their expectations and comparisons affect younger people.
Rather than measuring success solely through money, possessions or public recognition, young people can focus on building skills, making thoughtful decisions and working towards goals that fit their own circumstances.
What Rema Wants Young People to Understand
Rema’s decision to avoid excessively flaunting his wealth comes from his concern about the pressure young people may already be facing.
By keeping his lifestyle relatively simple in public, the singer says he hopes to avoid making others feel that they are falling behind.
His comments also highlight the role parents and society play in shaping young people’s expectations about education, careers and financial success.
Ultimately, his message is straightforward: do not rush your life because somebody else appears to be doing better.
Success can look different for different people, and another person’s achievements should not become a measure of your own worth.
