By Emeka Blast 
Rema’s Viral Track “Kelebu” Continues Its Hot Streak
Lagos, Nigeria – Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema continues to dominate the music scene with his latest single, “Kelebu,” which has solidified its status as a global summer anthem since its release on July 26, 2025. The high-energy track, blending Afrobeats with Francophone influences like coupé-décalé, has sparked viral dance challenges, chart-topping success, and polarized reactions, cementing Rema’s reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most daring innovators.
A Bold Sonic Experiment
“Kelebu,” produced by London, Ambezza, and Nik D, is a vibrant fusion of horn-driven melodies, pulsating drums, and Rema’s theatrical baritone, drawing inspiration from Caribbean and Francophone rhythms like coupé-décalé, makossa, and soukous. The song’s infectious refrain, “Kelebu, kelebu, kelebu,” has become a rallying cry for dance floors and social media alike. Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, shared that the track is rooted in childhood memories of dancing to eclectic beats at school parties, where lyrics mattered less than the rhythm’s pull. “We didn’t care what they were saying… they just kept repeating one word with a fantastic instrumental, and we all danced,” he said in a press release.
The track marks Rema’s third single of 2025, following the R&B-infused “Baby (Is It a Crime)” and “Bout U.” Unlike its predecessors, “Kelebu” leans heavily into the high-octane, party-starting energy of his Grammy-nominated sophomore album, HEIS (2024), which introduced his self-styled “afro-rave” sound—a blend of Afrobeats, house, hip-hop, and dancehall. The song’s bold sonics, described as “raucous” and “explosively vibrant,” have pushed Afrobeats into new territory, though not without controversy.
Chart Success and Viral Impact
“Kelebu” debuted at #1 on the Spotify Nigeria Daily Top Songs chart with 383,000 streams and secured a #9 spot on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, reflecting its global reach. The accompanying $10,000 dance challenge, announced by Rema on X, fueled its viral spread, with over 14,500 TikTok posts featuring the song’s dramatic opening synths. The challenge culminated in the selection of the POP Boys as winners, who will also feature in the official music video and join a video call with the star.
Social media has been a battleground for “Kelebu,” with fans praising its infectious rhythm and critics, like X user @DanielRegha, dismissing it as “marketable noise” better suited for children’s events than mature audiences. Others, like music journalist Joey Akan, have lauded Rema’s fearless creativity, noting that “Kelebu” reflects his commitment to showcasing Nigerian culture on a global stage, following the success of his 2022 hit “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez.
Mixed Reception and Artistic Vision
Despite its commercial success, “Kelebu” has faced criticism for its unconventional structure. Pulse Nigeria described it as “a little too different” for the average listener, arguing that its jarring, grandiose sonics thrive in high-energy club settings but may alienate casual fans. Some from Francophone regions have questioned the track’s resemblance to coupé-décalé, viewing it as Rema’s loose interpretation rather than an authentic replication. Yet, supporters argue that this experimental edge is precisely what makes Rema a trailblazer. Profiling magazine hailed “Kelebu” as a continuation of his “chaotic genius,” likening it to Nigeria’s tradition of prioritizing sound over semantics, as seen in earlier hits like “Dumebi.”
Rema’s artistic journey has always embraced the unconventional. From his debut EP in 2019 to HEIS, which incorporated influences from Edo culture, Chinese astrology, and Japanese anime, he has consistently pushed boundaries. “Kelebu” reflects this ethos, with its leopard imagery in the music video—a nod to the Benin Kingdom’s royal symbolism—and a delivery that shifts from singing to snarling, embodying his self-proclaimed “chosen one” persona.
A Global Force
Rema’s 2025 has been action-packed, with headline performances at Coachella, Madison Square Garden, The O2 in London, and Drake’s Wireless Festival. His ability to blend local Nigerian influences with global sounds has earned him accolades, including a Grammy nomination for HEIS and over two billion Spotify streams for his debut album, Rave & Roses. With “Kelebu,” Rema continues to expand Afrobeats’ horizons, bridging African and diaspora audiences through rhythm and cultural pride.
As the track continues to dominate playlists and spark debates, one thing is clear: Rema’s “Kelebu” is not just a song but a cultural moment, proving his knack for creating music that resonates, provokes, and inspires. Whether it’s a hit or a “miss” for some, its impact on the global music scene is undeniable.
