- Source: Heis (album)
Heis is the second studio album by Nigerian rapper and singer-songwriter Rema. It was released through Mavin Records, Jonzing World, and Interscope Records on 10 July 2024. The album features guest appearances from Shallipopi and Odumodublvck. It serves as the follow-up to his previous album, Rave & Roses (2022). The album received a nomination for Best Global Music Album at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, earning Rema his first career nomination at the Grammys.
Background and promotion
In July 2024, Rema announced the forthcoming release of his second studio album, titled Heis. Over a duration of two years, Rema engaged in creative collaborations with a plethora of producers and artists, notably Shallipopi and Odumodublvck, to craft this opus. The recording process was marked by a spirit of experimentation, as Rema ventured into uncharted sonic territories, yielding a diverse and innovative body of work. The album's production credits include a roster of esteemed producers, such as Rema himself, P.Priime, London, Cubeatz and Take a Daytrip, among others. Comprising eleven tracks, the album serves as a testament to Rema's artistic maturation. Prior to the album's release, Rema embarked on an extensive promotional tour, gracing various venues and festivals worldwide with his performances.
= Singles
=The lead single of the album, "Benin Boys", was released on 20 June 2024, which features Nigerian Afrobeats singer Shallipopi. The second single, "Hehehe", was released on 7 July 2024, three days before the album was released.
Critical reception
Kyann-Sian Williams of NME stated that "HEIS opens with the Afrorave powerhouse's signature chuckle, but takes you to unknown territory with the enthralling, synth-heavy 'MARCH AM' and "AZAMAN". Blending orchestral strings, thumping drums, and (on the former) a car's revving engine, these energetic gems reaffirm Rema as a true rhythm scientist." Adeayo Adebiyi of Pulse Nigeria gave the album a 8.0/10 rating, but noted that it feels like an outburst driven by a perceived lack of acknowledgment. What should have been a display of elevated artistry quickly turned into a petulant demand for recognition through an obviously one-take project, which he hopes showcases his superlative talent. Wongo Okon of Uproxx called the album "polarizing" and said it's the "jolt that afrobeats needs," noting that "the beauty of afrobeats must be preserved and it’s artists like Rema who will make sure that happens." Kyle Denis of Billboard stated that "Rema's vision of Afrorave relies on the unbridled energy generated when people collectively surrender to music's power". His album begs to be experienced live; it's as if Rema envisioned each song's live rendition before entering the studio. The result is a dark, raucous, and distinctly liberating sound – the long-awaited embodiment of Rema's touted "Afrorave" style, despite initial sonic ambiguity. Utere Naomi of NotJustOk awarded the album an 8.5/10 rating and praised HEIS as masterful, boasting smooth tracks and a cohesive narrative. Each song delivers a powerful statement of domination in the music industry. Notably, Rema eschews western influences, instead making a deliberate move to reign supreme in his hometown.
