Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has offered a rare glimpse into the rituals that define his high-octane stage presence, revealing a blend of spiritual grounding and personal vices.

Speaking in an interview with Dazed magazine at the ongoing Milan Fashion Week, where he recently made his runway debut for the fashion house Diesel, the ‘Calm Down’ crooner detailed the specific routine he observes before facing global audiences.

The 25-year-old singer disclosed that his preparation involves a combination of a small measure of tequila, a cigarette, and a moment of prayer. He also emphasised the importance of a final tactical check with his team to ensure all technical cues are aligned before the first note drops.

While Rema has long been celebrated for his vibrant energy and distinct artistic evolution, he was remarkably candid about the habits behind the scenes. He admitted that smoking remains a significant personal challenge, describing it as his “biggest weakness.”

This admission comes amidst a broader transformation of his brand, which has seen the singer move from his earlier “Teddy Bear” persona to a darker, more mature aesthetic involving tattoos and a grittier visual style.

Fresh from the Diesel runway, the singer drew a sharp contrast between the world of high fashion and the rigours of the music industry. Despite the glamour of Milan, Rema maintained that live musical performances are far more taxing than modelling.

“Performing is more stressful than walking the runway. It requires control of breathing and proper energy balance to keep the audience engaged from start to finish,” he noted.

He further revealed that his current creative palette is being influenced by Sudanese cultural live music, an inspiration he hopes will continue to fuel his connection with his fans.

On the subject of personal preferences, Rema—who has achieved significant financial success through global hits and record-breaking tours—indicated that he is more drawn to character and aesthetic than material status.

“I prefer stylish women over wealthy ones; I already have the money,” the singer quipped, reinforcing his focus on the artistic and the “vibe” that has become his signature.

As the Afrobeats star continues to push boundaries across music and fashion, his latest revelations highlight the complex duality of a global icon navigating fame, faith, and the pressures of the spotlight.