Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema’s much-awaited sophomore album, “HEIS,” released on Thursday, has set social media ablaze with excitement and divided opinions among fans and critics alike.
The 11-track album, which features popular singles such as “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi, has garnered widespread critical acclaim and adoration from fans worldwide. This release marks a significant follow-up to Rema’s debut album, ‘Rave & Roses’, which included the chart-topping hit ‘Calm Down’ released in March 2022.
Under the trending hashtag #HEISbyRema, Twitter has been inundated with discussions and reactions, with fans passionately sharing their favorite tracks, dissecting lyrics, and providing diverse reviews of the album’s overall impact.
“Rema’s album is possibly one of the most successful sonic explorations I’ve ever heard,” commented Anthony Azekwoh, emphasizing the album’s bold African sound and uniqueness.
However, not all reviews have been glowing. Critic Daniel Regha expressed disappointment, labeling “HEIS” as Rema’s worst project to date, citing lack of growth and unnecessary bravado in tracks like “Ozeba.”
Despite the mixed reception, Rema’s bold experimentation with sound and commitment to his roots has sparked significant discourse in the Afrobeats community, reflecting his ongoing influence and evolution in the music industry.
Rema, who gained prominence with his breakout hit “Dumebi” in 2019 and achieved international success with the remix of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez, continues to push boundaries in Afrobeats, setting new standards and provoking critical reflection on the genre’s future trajectory.