Afrobeats star Rema has offered a rare glimpse into what happens moments before he steps on stage, admitting that alcohol, cigarettes and prayer form part of his performance ritual.
Speaking in an interview with Dazed on the sidelines of Milan Fashion Week, where he walked the runway for Diesel, the singer said the routine helps him get into the right frame of mind before facing a crowd.
“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” Rema said.
The Calm Down crooner stressed that performing live is far more demanding than modelling on the runway, noting that concerts require stamina, breath control and constant engagement with fans.
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“Performing has a lot to do with your breath work, and you have to keep the crowd going,” he said, underscoring the physical intensity of his shows.
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According to him, while fashion appearances come with their own pressures, commanding thousands of fans on stage demands a different level of preparation — both mental and physical.
Beyond the stage lights, the singer revealed that he has recently drawn inspiration from Sudanese cultural live music.
“I have been listening to a lot of Sudanese cultural live music,” he added.
Despite the discipline he says goes into his craft, Rema acknowledged one lingering habit.
He admitted that smoking cigarettes remains his biggest vice.
