Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema smashes a 41-Year record set by fellow Nigerian and music legend King Sunny Ade.
We’re witnessing a historic transition, a symbolic passing of the torch from the legends of yesteryear to the blazing talents of the new generation. Right at the forefront of this thrilling transformation is a rising Afrobeats superstar – Rema. As always, he’s leading the charge he’s just smashed a record that’s been standing strong for over four decades.
In January, a historic moment unfolded as Rema burst onto the scene, making his debut appearance on the illustrious Billboard 200 charts. This monumental achievement marked a significant milestone, as Rema’s “Rave & Roses” became the very first Afrobeats debut album to secure a spot on these prestigious charts. Now, for those who might not be familiar, the Billboard 200 chart is a specialized rating system that gauges the popularity of albums in the United States based on various consumption metrics.
“Rave & Roses” started its journey at a humble position, making its debut at number 196. But, with unwavering determination and an ever-growing fan base, Rema’s album progressively climbed the ranks, ultimately reaching an impressive peak at number 81 on this esteemed chart.
Rema’s impact didn’t stop at reaching number 81. He boldly embarked on a journey to surpass a record set by the legendary Juju maestro, Chief Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye, fondly known as King Sunny Ade. This revered record dates back a staggering 41 years, establishing King Sunny Ade as the Nigerian artiste with the longest-running album on the US Billboard 200 chart.
The legendary King Sunny Ade had etched his name in history with his acclaimed masterpiece, “Juju Music,” which took the music scene by storm in 1982, a remarkable 18 years before Rema’s birth. This exceptional album made its triumphant ascent to the top of the chart and maintained its position for an impressive 29 weeks, securing its status as the lengthiest-running Nigerian project in the annals of the Billboard 200 chart.
However, the tides of time have ushered in a new era, as Rema’s debut sensation, “Rave & Roses,” has accomplished the extraordinary feat of surpassing this enduring record. Just this week, it proudly marked its 30th week on the chart, solidifying its place in history as a trailblazing force that has gracefully eclipsed a record that stood strong for over four decades.
In a tale of musical evolution and achievement, Rema’s “Rave & Roses” stands as a symbol of the indomitable spirit of the new generation, making its mark and etching its name alongside the greats in the rich tapestry of African music history.
