"I Pray and Sm!ke Before Every Show" - Rema

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Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Rema, born Divine Ikubor, has opened up about the personal rituals that prepare him mentally and physically before stepping onto the stage.

 The “Calm Down” crooner made the revelation in an interview with Dazed on the sidelines of the prestigious Milan Fashion Week, where he recently walked the runway for global fashion brand Diesel.

Speaking candidly about what goes on behind the scenes before a performance, Rema disclosed that his routine involves a mix of relaxation, focus and spirituality.

 According to him, he takes “a little Tequila, a little cigarette,” says a prayer, and then checks in with his team to ensure everything is perfectly aligned for the show. 

The singer explained that beyond the light indulgence, prayer remains an important part of his preparation, helping him centre himself before facing thousands of fans.

“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” he said when asked to describe his pre-show rituals.

The Mavin Records star also reflected on the physical demands of performing live, noting that it is far more intense than walking the runway. 

While he recently made headlines for his appearance at Milan Fashion Week, Rema stressed that performing music requires greater stamina and breath control.

 “Performing has a lot to do with your breathwork and you have to keep the crowd going,” he explained, highlighting the energy required to deliver a high-level show.

Rema’s ability to command massive audiences has played a significant role in his meteoric rise on the global music scene. Over the years, he has broken multiple records and continues to expand the reach of Afrobeats internationally. 

His genre-blending sound and stage charisma have earned him recognition across continents, solidifying his place as one of Nigeria’s leading exports in contemporary music.

On what has been influencing his creative process lately, the singer revealed that he has been listening to a lot of Sudanese cultural live music. 

The admission hints at his openness to drawing inspiration from diverse African sounds as he continues to evolve artistically. 

Known for experimenting with different sonic elements, Rema’s musical curiosity has been one of the defining features of his career.

Despite his success, the 25-year-old acknowledged that smoking cigarettes remains his “biggest vice.” His honesty about his habits offers fans a glimpse into the human side of stardom — one that balances pressure, preparation and personal flaws.

From global fashion runways to sold-out arenas, Rema continues to push boundaries both in music and style. 

His latest revelation not only sheds light on his performance routine but also underscores the intense discipline and preparation required to thrive at the highest level of the entertainment industry.

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