Rema keeps the energy high with ‘Oh No’

Rema has no intention of slowing down. Hot on the heels of ‘Tea’, his first solo release of the year, the Nigerian superstar returns with ‘Oh No’, offering another glimpse into the new creative world he is building ahead of his next project.

Produced by talented producer Rvssian, ‘Oh No’ pulls from a wide range of influences, blending kompa, reggaeton, dancehall and Afropop into a rhythm-led record designed with one clear purpose - to make people move. The genre-hopping production also taps into Rema’s nostalgic side, giving the track a familiar warmth while maintaining the forward-thinking approach that has become synonymous with his sound.

The release arrives at a particularly interesting point in Rema’s career. Now 26, the Benin City-born artist appears to be embracing a renewed sense of freedom, allowing himself to explore different sounds and influences without being confined to any one definition of what Rema should sound like.

That approach continues in the accompanying visuals, filmed on the streets of Los Angeles. Colourful brick backdrops provide the setting for a series of intimate moments, including Rema picking up flowers for his love interest, adding a more personal dimension to the energy of the track.

With both ‘Tea’ and ‘Oh No’ now in circulation, the picture of Rema’s next chapter is beginning to take shape. There is a clear emphasis on rhythm, nostalgia and freedom, but perhaps most importantly, the music feels built around enjoyment.