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).[2]

Heis
Studio album by
Released10 July 2024 (2024-07-10)
Genre
Length27:33
Label
Producer
Rema chronology
Rave & Roses
(2022)
Heis
(2024)
Singles from Heis
  1. "Benin Boys"
    Released: 20 June 2024
  2. "Hehehe"
    Released: 7 July 2024

Background and promotion

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In July 2024, Rema announced the forthcoming release of his second studio album, titled Heis.[3][4] 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.[5] The recording process was marked by an spirit of experimentation, as Rema ventured into uncharted sonic territories, yielding a diverse and innovative body of work.[6] 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.[7] 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.[8][9]

Singles

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The lead single of the album, "Benin Boys", was released on 20 June 2024, which features Nigerian Afrobeats singer Shallipopi.[10] The second single, "Hehehe", was released on 7 July 2024, three days before the album was released.[11]

Critical reception

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Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Clash8/10[12]
NME     [13]
OkayAfrica7/10[14]
Pulse Nigeria8/10[15]

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."[13] 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.[15]

Track listing

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Heis track listing
No.TitleLength
1."March Am"2:23
2."Azaman"2:28
3."Hehehe"1:53
4."Yayo"2:30
5."Benin Boys" (with Shallipopi)2:49
6."Heis"2:33
7."Ozeba"2:17
8."War Machine" (with Odumodublvck)2:37
9."Egungun"2:38
10."Villain"2:49
11."Now I Know"2:36
Total length:27:33

References

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  1. ^ "Rema redefines the Afrobeats genre with sophomore album 'HEIS'". NotJustOk. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  2. ^ "Rema drops sophomore album HEIS". Music in Africa. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  3. ^ Heran Mamo (9 July 2024). "Rema Announces Sophomore Album Heis". Billboard. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  4. ^ Larisha Paul (8 July 2024). "Rema Announces Second Studio Album Heis". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  5. ^ Oke Odunmorayo (6 July 2024). "Rema's He Is To Feature Shallipopi, Odumodublvck". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  6. ^ BN (11 July 2024). "Rema Champions His Roots & Afrobeats in New Album Heis". BellaNaija. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Rema's He Is Debuts At No. 1 On Nigeria's Apple Albums Chart". Guardian. 11 July 2024. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  8. ^ Mankaprr Conteh (11 July 2024). "Rema Shocks Afrobeats to New Life With Heis". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  9. ^ Taiwo Okanlawan (11 July 2024). "Rema unveils sophomore album 'Heis'". P.M. News. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  10. ^ Kyle, Dennis (20 June 2024). "Rema & Shallipopi Returns With New 'Benin Boys' Banger". Billboard. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  11. ^ Adeayo, Adeyemi (8 July 2024). "Rema shows a different dimension to his artistry with new single 'Hehehe". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  12. ^ Murray, Robin (7 July 2024). "Rema – HEIS A honest and emphatic return". Clash. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  13. ^ a b Kyann-Sian, Williams (11 July 2024). "Rema – 'Heis' review: a divine return full of feel-good floor fillers". NME. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  14. ^ Emmanuel, Esomnofu (11 July 2024). "Five Takeaways from Rema's New Album, 'HEIS'". OkayAfrica. Retrieved 11 July 2024.
  15. ^ a b Adeayo, Adebiyi (11 July 2024). "Rema fails to properly execute his daring vision on 'HEIS' [Review]". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 11 July 2024.