Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has shared his personal reasons for starting to smoke, revealing how the loss of his father significantly shaped his childhood. In a candid conversation with GRM, the "Calm Down" artist explained that his father's passing placed the responsibility of supporting his family on his young shoulders, which made him feel he had to sacrifice his childhood.
At just 24 years old, Rema expressed a desire to "feel young again." He recently took up smoking cigarettes as a way to feel "free" and to reconnect with a sense of rebellion he associates with youth. He acknowledged that even as an adult, he faces criticism for this choice simply because he is a public figure.
Reflecting on his experiences, Rema noted, “I really wanted to feel like a child again. I feel like I grew up too fast. Losing my dad and brother made life switch up on me dramatically, and I had to sell my childhood to provide for my family.”
As he prepares to release his new project, *HeIs*, Rema emphasized his desire to embrace his youthful side, stating that he wants to experience the carefree mistakes of childhood without the harsh scrutiny that comes with fame. He remarked, “I just got tired of everything feeling so planned and scheduled. I want to break some rules and just be a rebel.”
Rema’s reflections shed light on the pressures of early adulthood and the longing for a simpler, more carefree time in life, resonating with many who have faced similar challenges.