How Rema Turned Online Trolls Into Global Fame - And Conquered the Indian Music Scene

Rema, the Nigerian superstar redefining the sound of Afrobeats, recently opened up about a surprising twist in his journey to global fame: how early online trolling actually became the secret ingredient to his massive success—especially in India.

In a candid interview, Rema reflected on the backlash he received during the early days of his career. He was often criticized for his unique sound, fashion, and use of Indian and Arabic-influenced melodies. Critics labeled him "the Indian boy" and mocked the sonic choices that made his music stand out. But instead of backing down, he used the negativity as fuel.

“I’m benefitting from what I was trolled and criticised for,” Rema said. “If I had listened to them, I probably wouldn’t be here.” Four years later, those same elements of his style, once misunderstood, have now opened doors to massive international acclaim.

One of the most significant chapters of his journey is his unexpected rise in India. Rema is now celebrated as the first Afrobeats artist to tour the country, performing to thousands of adoring fans. He describes the Indian reception as overwhelming, saying, “India loves me, and it’s just beautiful to see something that people trolled me for… now I’m benefiting from it.”

His viral hit “Calm Down” played a major role in his breakthrough on the Indian music scene, with remixes and fan tributes making waves across social platforms. The cultural crossover wasn’t a calculated strategy—it was a natural evolution of Rema’s global sound. His Afro‑Rave genre blends rhythms from Africa with hints of Asian instrumentation, creating a unique sonic bridge between continents.

The impact? More than just streaming numbers and sold-out shows. Rema was recently invited to perform at a high-profile wedding in India, a gig that reportedly earned him a jaw-dropping $3 million. While he laughed off confirming the exact figure, it was clear the performance marked another milestone in his crossover success.

From social media trolls to stadium tours, Rema’s story is a lesson in staying true to your art—even when the world doesn’t immediately understand it. What once seemed like a reason to quit has become the very thing that set him apart.

And in the ever-evolving global music scene, Rema isn’t just riding the wave—he’s making new ones.