An Act of Mad Genius
One year ago today, Rema sent shockwaves through the system with the release of his Grammy-nominated sophomore album “HEIS”. Lulled into a dreamy state of bliss by the bright, sultry sounds of the Rave & Roses era, the world was scarcely prepared for the dystopian themes, heavy drums, and manic laughter that would usher in “HEIS”. While the first single “Benin Boys” was a rousing ode to home, the second single “HE HE HE” signaled a cosmic shift. Here was one of the youngest artists in the game, making assertions no-one else in his set would dare to utter. The album was released to polarized reviews-some called him called him a visionary, while others felt he had lost the plot entirely.
Today, even naysayers will agree that the cultural impact of “HEIS” is undeniable. In addition to a much-deserved Grammy nod, the record also won both Afrobeats Album of The Year and Overall Album of Year at the 2025 Headies Awards. “HEIS” made several year-end lists, becoming the highest-ranking Nigerian album on Rolling Stone’s Best Albums of 2024 list. The critical acclaim did not stop there. “HEIS” was also named one of the best albums of the year by Billboard, NME, Complex, The Fader, and more.
Afrobeats’ Favorite Anti-Hero
Sonically, “HEIS” goes against the grain with an almost vainglorious defiance that immediately sets it apart from every other Afrobeats project released in 2024. Rema demonstrates a decided irreverence for current industry trends and expectations, choosing instead to revisit some long abandoned “ancient texts” (as the pop culture historians would say). Frenzied drums, dramatic stings and synths are the order of the day, pulling listeners into a dark sonic landscape that toes the line between euphoria and full-blown mania. P.Priime and London prove to be worthy partners in crime, crafting mind-bending beats that laugh in the face of convention.
At just 28 minutes “HEIS” is a bit shorter than the average album, but in that small amount of time it certainly gets its point across. The Rema of “HEIS” is endlessly imposing. On songs like “March Am”, “HeIs” and “HE HE HE” he projects power and invincibility, running circles around his critics with raw, scathing lyricism. By the time the calming final notes of “Now I Know” roll around, there is no room for argument left.
All in all, “HEIS” is a triumph. Though the record strives to pay homage to the era of Afrobeats that started it all, it ends up achieving something greater-a brilliant manifestation of what can happen when an artist trusts their instincts wholeheartedly instead of bowing to external pressure. To relive the intoxicating highs of the HEIS era, click the link below!
