Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has explained why he avoids flaunting his wealth and achievements on social media, saying he does not want young people to feel pressured or believe they are falling behind in life.
The singer, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, shared his perspective during an interview with Jam FM, where he discussed the influence his success may have on younger audiences.
According to Rema, many young people look up to him, whether they are fans or not, and he is conscious of how his lifestyle might affect their expectations of themselves.
Rema Says He Doesn’t Want Young People to Feel Pressured
Rema explained that regularly displaying his wealth could encourage some young people to compare their progress with his and feel compelled to achieve their ambitions faster than they otherwise would.
“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 added that people develop at different rates, warning against rushing personal goals simply because another young person appears to be succeeding.
“Everybody has their time but some people just want to rush it because they see their fellow young person doing well,” Rema said.
He acknowledged that some people have encouraged him not to worry about how his lifestyle might affect others. However, he said he remains mindful that audiences can interpret displays of wealth differently.
Rema Also Points to Pressure From Parents
Beyond social media, Rema highlighted the pressure some young people face from their families, particularly when choosing educational and career paths.
He argued that parental expectations can push students towards courses and professions they may not genuinely want to pursue, largely because those careers are associated with good salaries.
“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.
His comments broadened the discussion beyond celebrity lifestyles, pointing to the different sources of pressure that can shape young people’s decisions about their futures.
Why Rema Prefers a Simple Style
The singer also explained that his approach to social media reflects his personal fashion preferences.
Rather than regularly wearing designer clothing, he said he enjoys streetwear and generally keeps his style simple.
“I just like to keep it simple. That is one reason I enjoy streetwear. I really don’t do too many designers. The only thing that is really lavish about me may be my chains or watches,” he said.
Rema’s remarks offer insight into how he approaches fame and public influence. While he recognises that young people may admire his achievements, he wants them to pursue their own ambitions without treating his success as a deadline for theirs.
His central message is that people should focus on their individual journeys rather than measuring their progress against what they see online.