Before HEIS, there was Ravage. As the one year anniversary of the transcendent extended play rolls around, let’s take a moment to look back on its milestones, artistic significance and impact on the culture.
More Rave Less Roses: Era of The Troublemaker
Over a year after the release of his multi-platinum debut album “Rave & Roses”, Singer, songwriter and rapper Rema dropped another banger. In its debut week alone, “Ravage” broke the record for the biggest opening day by any African EP on Spotify, coming in hot at a whopping 1.7 million streams. By the end of the first week, all 5 songs crossed 1 million streams, making it the first African EP to do so on Spotify.
On Apple music, it recorded the most number 1 hits for an African EP, charting in 16 countries worldwide. Since then “Ravage” has continued in this staggering trajectory, amassing over 80 million streams and extending its record as the most streamed African EP on Spotify in 2023.
For those who were paying attention, this defining 5 track project marked the beginning of Rema’s transition from loverboy to full on anti-hero. If HEIS is an act of mad genius then “Ravage” is the prequel, the descent into madness. The record explores a diverse range of themes, from the fixation on success and supremacy in “Smooth Criminal” to the amorous motifs prevalent in “Don’t Leave” and “Red Potion”.
Throughout the project Rema teeters on the edge of a proverbial cliff, alternating between the warm, titillating sensuality of “Rave and Roses” and the vainglorious, disruptive quality of his later work. “Ravage” draws from a plethora of influences, combining elements of afropop, amapiano and alté music into a rich, kaleidoscopic sound. Renowned producers London, P.Priime and Blaise Beatz all lent their unique talents to the creation of this sonic masterpiece.
The record opens with “Troublemaker”, a befitting introduction to the enigmatic and irreverent persona embodied by the mutable afro-pop star. Produced by London and Blaise Beatz, “Troublemaker” is a relatively tame track that could comfortably feature as part of Rave & Roses-all soft drums, layered melodies and somber strings. The lyrics, however, carry a note of warning.
On the explosive second track “DND”, the ticking time bomb finally goes off, plunging listeners into the beautiful chaos that is Ravage. “DND” is the first time we get to experience the combined creative genius of Rema & producer P.Priime, who also has credits on “Smooth Criminal” and “Don’t Leave”.
“Ravage” also sees Rema expand his vocal range and style beyond his signature fast rapping, snake charmer flow. At some points he adopts an impressive falsetto and at others the baritone of a seasoned highlife performer, incorporating ululations and scat singing to create a multi-dimensional vocal tapestry.
All these elements set the scene for HEIS, the euphoric culmination of what began with the release of “Ravage”.
Ravage Uprising at the O2
On November 14th, 2023, Rema held a sold out concert at the O2 arena-a feat only achieved by a chosen few.
To honor the culture that birthed him, he donned a replica of the famed Queen Idia mask and rode atop a stationary horse. Both props referenced pieces of Benin art that were both historically and culturally significant. He also rode on an artificial bat that was meant to represent the bats that are usually seen flying around at night in Benin City.
The symbolism of this full circle moment- a Benin indigene proudly owning his culture in the same country that once colonized, invaded and plundered the prized bronzes of his people-was lost on many.
A wildfire spread on social media. Allegations of satanism began to fly around, putting a damper on what was otherwise a landmark moment for Rema and afrobeats as a whole.
The initial wave of controversy sparked by Rema’s Benin-centric choice of props and stage design eventually gave way to thought-provoking conversations about the impact of colonialism and westernization on the average Nigerian’s perception of cultural symbolism.
A year later, the impact of the iconic Ravage era on the culture remains undeniable. Long live the Lorde of the Rave.
