Rema also explained that his controversial album cover was inspired by Japanese anime series Naruto character, Itachi Uchiha.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Afrobeats star, Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has justified his decision to smoke, saying it was a move to rebrand before the release of his sophomore album, ‘HEIS,’ last year.
He made this known on Thursday via his X page while speaking on one year anniversary of the album.
Rema in 2024 rebranded by ditching his signature mask, Teddy bear, and embracing tattoos, smoking, and darker colours.
He also changed the sound and aesthetics of his music.
Explaining the reason for the changes, the singer clarified that his rebranding, including smoking, was just an expression of art and not betrayal of his personality as many presumed.
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He also explained that the controversial album cover was inspired by Japanese anime series Naruto character, Itachi Uchiha.
Speaking via his verified social media handle, Rema wrote, “HEIS, the Anniversary.
“I expressed a lot of surface level reasons why I released this project over a course of interviews when it came out but, here are few “SYMBOLIC” details that wrap around the ENERGY of the project I kept for myself but now, I’d like to share.
“Consider this an Author’s note;
“The cover was inspired by Itachi in Naruto. The Truth masked as illusion, Love buried under what y’all thought was betrayal ( change of sound, smoking , looks, aesthetics & choice of color ).”
