Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Rema, has shared that his pre-show ritual which includes a mix of tequila, smoking a cigarette and prayer, is a combination he says helps centre his mind and body before high-energy performances.
Speaking with Dazed magazine at the Milan Fashion Week, where he also walked the runway for Diesel, Rema didn’t hold back about how he gears up before hitting the stage. Unlike the polished, choreographed image often seen by audiences, he described taking “a little tequila, a little cigarette, pray,” then touching base with his team and doing sound checks to make sure every element of the performance is technically ready.
For Rema, the ritual isn’t just about showmanship, but practical preparation. He explained that live performance carries its own pressures, different and more demanding than even walking on a major fashion runway. “Performing has a lot to do with your breathwork, and you have to keep the crowd going,” he said, spotlighting how physical stamina and mental focus are critical when connecting with an audience night after night.
This revelation offers a more nuanced look at the young star, whose music has captivated global audiences. His recent comments are also sparking conversations among fans and critics. While some see his smoking habit, which he admitted is his “biggest vice” as a surprising personal quirk for a global music star, others interpret it as an honest insight into how artists cope with performance stress and the demands of life on tour.
