"Dumebi" is a song by Nigerian rapper and singer Rema, released on March 24, 2019, serving as the third single from his debut extended play Rema.[1] Upon the song's release, it gained millions of streams and views, helping Rema rise to fame.[2] It was produced by Ozedikus. A remix with American singer Becky G, and other remixes were respectively released on February 13th and March 20th of 2020.[3]
| "Dumebi" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Rema | ||||
| from the EP Rema | ||||
| Released | March 24, 2019 | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Songwriter(s) |
| |||
| Producer(s) | Ozedikus | |||
| Rema singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
| Music video | ||||
| "Dumebi" on YouTube | ||||
Background edit
Rema wrote the song while he was in the studio with Ozedikus in 2019. The song marks the beginning of his adoption of a melodic approach to singing, distinct from his Afrobeats style.[4] The song is his major breakout and earned him initial recognition.[5][6][7] The song gained more popularity when it was placed on Barack Obama's summer playlist.[8]
Composition edit
"Dumebi" is mainly an Afrobeats song but the tune brings in an afropop dance hall party bop which features piano in the production, produced by Ozedikus. The slow chord beat with a sample builds the flow for the rest of the track and helps Rema sing about a girl who uses her beauty to capture the heart of boys.[9][10]
Music video edit
A music video for the song was released on May 20, 2019, featuring a cameo appearance from Diana Eneje.[11] It sees Rema roaming around the streets with his friends. The video was directed by Ademola Falomo and it accumulated 73 million views on YouTube as of March 2024.[12]
Certifications edit
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| France (SNEP)[13] | Platinum | 200,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
References edit
- ^ "DUMEBI: Rema Poses With His Gold Certification Plaque In France".
- ^ Dennis. "Akon reacts to Rema's Dumebi and his sound". Groove Africa. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ "Rema feat. Becky G – Dumebi (Remix) – Premiere". 1883 Magazine. February 14, 2020. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Bella, Naija (December 10, 2019). "Rema caps off an Amazing Year with Features on Rolling Stone & Pitchfork's Best Songs of 2019 Lists with 'Dumebi'". BellaNaija. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Mide, Michael (October 5, 2021). "Rema's 'Dumebi' Receives Gold Certification in France". NotJustOk. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Anthony, Udugba (August 16, 2023). "Rema's Billboard record spotlights journey of Nigerian music on world stage". Business Day. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Modupeoluwa, Adekanye (December 11, 2019). ""Dumebi" Make Pitchfork's 100 Best Songs For 2019". The Guardian. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Joey, Akan. "MEET REMA, THE 19-YEAR-OLD THE OBAMAS PUT ON THEIR SUMMER PLAYLIST". Highsnobiety. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Bella, Naija (April 11, 2020). "Rema's "Dumebi" is Everyone's Favourite, Including Rihanna". BellaNaija. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Jude, Chukwuemeka (October 6, 2021). "Rema's 'Dumebi' Gets 15 Million Streams in France". Cool FM Nigeria. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ Antoinette, Isama (May 21, 2019). "Rema's New Music Video for 'Dumebi' Is Here". OkayAfrica. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ "See the music video for Rema's "Dumebi"". The Native. 21 May 2019. Retrieved March 6, 2024.
- ^ "French single certifications – Rema – Dumebi" (in French). Syndicat National de l'Édition Phonographique.