Afrobeats sensation Rema has recently opened up about his new habit of smoking cigarettes, revealing that he smokes to reclaim a sense of freedom that he feels has been lost due to his rapid rise to fame.
The 24-year-old singer, known for his hit songs like “Ozeba,” shared his personal struggles during an interview with GRMDaily, shedding light on the reasons behind his decision.
Rema explained that the deaths of his father and brother forced him to grow up quickly and take on responsibilities at a young age. “I had to abandon my childhood after losing my father and brother. I had to grow up fast and fend for my family, but now I want to be a child again,” he said, reflecting on how these events shaped his life.
The singer emphasized that despite his fame, he still craves the freedom to make mistakes like any other young person. However, being in the spotlight has made him the subject of harsh criticism for actions that would be considered normal for someone his age. “I just want to be a rebel again. You know, kids make mistakes, and it’s acceptable. But when you’re 19 or 20 and famous, and you make that same mistake, everyone comes for you,” Rema explained.
He further expressed frustration with the expectations placed on him due to his celebrity status. “All because you’re in the limelight, they’re like, ‘Oh, you’re not supposed to make that kind of mistake.’ Why? I’m a kid!” Rema exclaimed, highlighting the pressure he feels to live up to unrealistic standards.
The artist also shared how this longing for freedom has led him to start smoking cigarettes. “I know people who smoked their first cigarettes when they were 13, and I’m 24. I smoke a cigarette because I just want to feel free, and I just want to be a rebel and break some rules,” Rema admitted. He added that his life has become so planned and structured that he needed an outlet to express his desire for spontaneity and rebellion.
Rema concluded by saying that he channels this sense of freedom into his music, using it as a way to cope with the pressures of his life. “All my life just feels so planned right now; there’s just so much scheduled, and I got tired. I just put that freedom in my music,” he stated, emphasizing how his creative process serves as a release for the emotions he experiences.
The singer’s candid revelations offer a glimpse into the challenges of balancing fame with personal freedom, and how he uses his music and personal choices to navigate these complexities.