Rema’s Pre-Show Ritual: Why the "Heis" Star Smokes and Prays Before Hitting the Stage

 

​In the high-octane world of global Afrobeats, few stars command the stage with as much intensity and mystery as Divine Ikubor, famously known as Rema. From his early days as the "boy wonder" with a teddy bear to his current status as a dark, edgy visionary, Rema’s evolution has been nothing short of cinematic. Recently, while making waves at the Milan Fashion Week, the singer opened up about the specific, somewhat contradictory rituals he performs before stepping out to face thousands of screaming fans. In a candid conversation, Rema revealed a routine that involves a mix of spirituality and vice: he smokes, drinks, and prays.

​The Ritual: "A Little Tequila, A Little Cigarette, and Prayer"

​Speaking on the sidelines of the Diesel runway show in Milan—where he traded the microphone for the catwalk—Rema was asked how he prepares for the immense pressure of a live performance. His answer was a raw look into the life of a modern rockstar.

​“A little Tequila, a little cigarette, pray, tap in with the team and make sure everything is on cue,” Rema stated. For many fans, the inclusion of prayer alongside alcohol and cigarettes might seem like a paradox, but for Rema, it represents a "tapping in" to the energy required to deliver his signature high-energy sets. This pre-show sequence isn't just about relaxation; it’s a systematic "reset" that allows him to transition from his private self into the "Heis" persona that has captivated global audiences.

​Smoking: An Artistic Expression or a "Biggest Vice"?

​Rema’s relationship with smoking has been a point of contention among fans and critics alike since his 2024 rebranding. During the promotion of his sophomore album, HEIS, the singer famously swapped his youthful aesthetics for tattoos and cigarettes, a move he initially described as a purely "artistic expression" inspired by anime characters like Itachi Uchiha.

​However, in this latest 2026 interview, Rema offered a more vulnerable perspective. While he still incorporates it into his ritual, he admitted that smoking cigarettes is actually his “biggest vice.” This honesty provides a layer of humanity to the superstar, acknowledging that the habits he once framed as strictly "symbolic" have become a personal struggle. It echoes his earlier sentiments about "feeling like a child again" and wanting to rebel against the rigid schedules and expectations that have defined his life since his teenage rise to fame.

​The Physical Toll: Runway vs. The Stage

​Beyond the spiritual and chemical preparations, Rema touched on the physical demands of his career. Despite the glamour of walking the runway for a major fashion house like Diesel, Rema maintained that performing music is far more taxing.

​“Performing has a lot to do with your breathwork, and you have to keep the crowd going,” he explained. Unlike the controlled environment of a fashion show, a live concert requires a level of athletic endurance. This is why his pre-show routine includes a rigorous sound-check with his team. Ensuring that all modalities and technical cues are in place is the final, crucial step before the "Calm Down" crooner steps into the spotlight.

​Seeking Inspiration in Sudanese Culture

​While his rituals help him prepare for the present, Rema also discussed what is fueling his creative future. Interestingly, the singer revealed that he has been diving deep into Sudanese cultural live music. This pivot toward diverse African sounds suggests that Rema is looking far beyond the standard Afrobeats formula for his next musical chapter. By listening to the raw, traditional sounds of Sudan, he continues to position himself as a global student of music, always seeking new ways to reinvent the "Rave" sound.

​Conclusion: The Human Behind the "African Giant"

​Rema’s revelation that he "smokes and prays" is a stark reminder that the icons we see on screen are navigating their own complexities. By balancing his "biggest vice" with a moment of spiritual connection and team synergy, Rema has found a way to survive the crushing weight of global stardom. As he continues to dominate both the fashion world and the music charts in 2026, his transparency about his pre-show rituals only makes his journey more relatable to a generation that often feels the same pressure to "perform."