Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS, has sparked a divide among Afrobeats fans due to its experimental sound.
Rema’s sophomore album, HEIS, has sparked a divide among Afrobeats fans due to its experimental sound. The album’s blend of gothic rock and Afrobeats has been met with both praise and criticism. Some fans have criticized the album for being too experimental and straying from the typical Afrobeats sound, while others have praised Rema for pushing boundaries and exploring new sonic territories.
The album’s lead single, “Hehehe,” offers a taste of this experimentation, blending gothic rock and Afrobeats to create a unique sound. Rema’s desire to explore new sounds is evident throughout the album, which features tracks that incorporate elements of death rock, punk rock, and Indian flutes and drums.
Despite the criticism, Rema’s experimentation has been praised by some fans and music industry experts. Joey Akan, a Nigerian music journalist, has hailed HEIS as a “masterpiece” and a “bold artistic statement.” Motolani Alake, an expert on Afrobeats music, has also praised the album, saying it is “inherently Nigerian in character” and a “necessary evolution for the genre.”
HEIS has sparked a conversation about the future of Afrobeats and the need for innovation and experimentation in the genre. While some fans may be resistant to change, others are embracing Rema’s bold approach and the new sounds he is introducing to the Afrobeats scene.
