Rema returns with a bold new single titled “KELEBU,” a record that pulls listeners into an experimental yet nostalgic space. Known for his sonic unpredictability, the Mavin star blends raw percussion, looped vocals, and hypnotic repetition to create a sound that feels both strange and infectious, a reminder that Rema never plays it safe.
The track draws inspiration from his early years in Benin, where school parties and local DJ mixes played a big role in shaping his musical palette. As he explained in a recent feature on Pitchfork, “Growing up in Benin, I attended a lot of school parties. The DJ would always play this particular sound, and everyone would go cr***…
KELEBU is a blend of nostalgic sounds and drums that made my childhood memorable.” That memory now serves as the heart of this record, raw, tribal, unfiltered, and celebratory.
HotNewHipHop described the track as “frenetic, celebratory, and propulsive,” calling it one of the most electrifying songs of the week. And true to that description, KELEBU doesn’t follow a commercial structure. There’s no traditional hook or radio-friendly cadence, but it doesn’t need one. Instead, it thrives on its vibe, a fast-paced loop that dances between chaos and control.
The reception online has been nothing short of entertaining. Social media is abuzz with reactions, memes, and dance videos, all inspired by the energy of the track.
Nigerian skitmaker Shanks put it simply: “Rema is the only artiste who can release a song like KELEBU and it’ll be a hit.” That sentiment captures the cultural trust Rema has built, an artist whose sound doesn’t have to make sense immediately, but always finds its way to relevance.
KELEBU is now available on all streaming platforms, and whether it’s your vibe on the first listen or not, one thing is clear. Rema is still leading the conversation, one genre-defying release at a time.
