Nigerian superstar Rema returns with new track 'Benin Boys' featuring Shallipopi

After historic success with 'calm down,' Rema teams up with Shallipopi for his first release of 2024.

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema, fresh off his monumental crossover hit "Calm Down" with Selena Gomez, has launched into a new musical chapter. 

On Thursday (June 20), the Billboard Music Award winner released "Benin Boys," his debut track of the year, featuring up-and-coming artist Shallipopi. 

The song showcases a vibrant exchange of verses over powerful drum beats and evocative string backgrounds, highlighting the duo's financial prowess and rising global stardom.

The release of "Benin Boys" was accompanied by a visually captivating music video directed by DK. 

The video features the artists in high-fashion ensembles across various settings, including a neon-lit nightclub, aboard a private jet, and atop what seems to be a church, emphasizing their youthful vibrancy and stylish personas.

Earlier this week, Rema collected two ASCAP London Music Awards for 'Calm Down,' securing both Song of the Year and Top Streaming Song titles. 

The track not only peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 but also dominated the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart for an impressive 58 weeks and reached No. 1 on the all-genre Radio Songs chart, marking a significant milestone for an African lead artist.

Beyond his solo work, Rema's recent musical endeavors have included several notable collaborations.

These include team-ups with artists like Feid on "Bubalu," Ice Spice on "Pretty Girl," and a remix of "Soweto" featuring Victony, Tempoe, and Don Toliver, which climbed to No. 65 on the Hot 100.

His last solo release was the "Ravage EP" in October, featuring hits like "DND."

"Benin Boys" also signifies Rema's first release as an official artist of Interscope Records, following a new partnership between the label and Mavin Global facilitated by UMG.