In a recent conversation with South African media personality Nandi Madida on Apple Music 1, Nigerian Afropop sensation Rema delved into his exploration of the Amapiano genre. The chat provided fans with insights into Rema’s approach to music and his desire to understand the nuances of Amapiano before diving into the trend. The young artist expressed a genuine interest in collaborating with Amapiano artists while also emphasizing the importance of learning about the unique characteristics of the genre.
During the interview, Rema emphasized his meticulous approach to music, stating, “I feel like tapping into a sound, most especially when it’s within Africa, I take my time to study. I don’t jump on the wave; I take my time to understand things.” This approach reflects Rema’s commitment to authenticity and his desire to create music that resonates with the cultural and sonic elements of the genres he explores.
Rema shared a specific instance of his dedication to understanding Amapiano when he collaborated with South African Amapiano producer Musa Keys. He recounted his experience in the studio, saying, “When me and Musa Keys were in the studio, I was like ‘I know a lot of Nigerians are doing amapiano, but I need you to educate me about amapiano.’ I don’t want to just hop on it. Yes, I can make a banger, but it’s like can you teach me?”
One notable aspect of Rema’s discussion was his appreciation for the spiritual essence of Amapiano music. He expressed, “When I hear the ones from South Africa, it holds more spirit than the ones from anywhere else. Although I don’t understand everything they’re saying, I can feel the particles, the elements or the spiritual essence of the music.” This acknowledgment highlights Rema’s ability to connect with the emotive and cultural dimensions of Amapiano beyond linguistic barriers.
Rema went on to stress the necessity of being educated about Amapiano from different parts of Africa, recognizing the diversity within the genre. He stated, “I know there’s a lot of Amapiano from different parts of Africa, but educate me about yours, right? I feel like that’s necessary. I’m so down to collaborate, and while I collaborate I want to learn, I don’t want to do it the wrong way.”
Closing the discussion on Amapiano, Rema expressed his genuine interest in incorporating the genre into his music, saying, “Yes, Amapiano is a sound I really want to tap into, but give me time with that!” This statement reflects Rema’s commitment to taking the necessary time and effort to fully immerse himself in the Amapiano culture and create a meaningful fusion of Nigerian and South African musical influences.
