Rema's Ravage EP; Curators' Review
By Temitopesariy
After an eventful and extensive period of expressing his numerous voices and personas, Rema has become synonymous with lover-boy, self-sufficient and the symbolism of the great promise of the beauty of African music in every conversation.
In the last four years, Rema has released a total of four EPs, with three of them coming in quick succession, just four months apart. This remarkable run left ravers and music enthusiasts alike in a chokehold, much like the grip of the current economic situation. It's safe to say that Rema's diverse body of work, each exploring unique sounds, played a significant role in making 2019 a memorable and musically rich year.
Following the exhilarating summer filled with high-energy concert parties and the excitement of international success, Rema's latest EP, "Ravage," is a highly anticipated addition to his growing discography.
Ravage EP, is all about the “Raver” going “Savage”. With the support of stellar producers like London, Blaise Beatz, and P Prime, Rema aims to reaffirm his position in the music world as his international success continues to soar.
From the gentle and melodious opener, "Trouble Maker," to the mesmerizing "Red Potion," Rema uses his music to express his frustration with unnecessary baggage and finds his voice in situations that no longer serve him. As the ever-romantic lover boy, he shares his love through melodies that reflect a more primal and passionate pursuit, devoid of the usual innocence and butterflies. The EP showcases his prowess in embracing Amapiano sounds while infusing easygoing adlibs, highlighting his genre-defying musical versatility.
Here’s what some of our curators at playlist central had to say about the body of work.
Kingavid11 -
This EP is fire. Even before it dropped I knew he wouldn't disappoint.
In this EP, he fearlessly expresses his emotions and makes it crystal clear that he's fully aware of his standing in the music scene. He exudes confidence and proclaims his unstoppable status without holding back. There's no ambiguity; he boldly declares himself the Prince of Afrobeats and challenges anyone who thinks otherwise. Rema knows he's HIM and he needs no one to tell him that.
11/10 for me. TROUBLE MAKER being the best song of course.
Dolapo -
This is the first Rema project I'm loving it's entirety. With his former projects, I've always cherry picked the songs but this time, all 5 tracks are of solid quality. Rema is distinct, his sound is special. My favorite thing about him is how he continues to reinvent himself every time. Whenever you think you have him figured out, he shows us there are levels to his greatness. We no fit see am finish. This is my favorite Rema project. My best song keeps changing and that is how you know a quality project. It is Red Potion for now. Rating the Ravage EP 9/10.
Abdul -
Rema's new EP, "Ravage," is his most confident and range-extending project to date. The Nigerian singer and songwriter showcases his versatility and artistry on the five-track EP, which blends elements of Afrobeats, pop, and rap.
Overall, "Ravage" is a solid EP from Rema that showcases his growth as an artist. He is more confident and experimental than ever before, and he is not afraid to push the boundaries of Afrobeats.
Olamide -
On Ravage, Rema’s hunger for success is still apparent, with the popstar calling his audience to the dancefloor, trying to experiment with his sound and versatility. I really didn’t get a particular direction with his lyrics however, which is why I would rate it 6.5/10.
Regardless, at just 14 minutes long, "Ravage" delivers two dance-worthy gems – "Trouble Maker" and "DND" – and those two songs made it to my library.
Greg -
This project exudes an aura of intensity and expression. The tracks are far from breezy, distinguishing themselves from the songs on "Rave and Roses." Among them, "Red Potion" stands out as one of the best, if not the very best, with its perfect fusion of crowd engagement and a memorable chorus. I'd rate the EP a solid 8/10.
Wisdom -
Rema makes it abundantly clear that he knows exactly who he is, and he's flaunting it. He exudes unwavering confidence, an air of being untouchable, and a deep sense of being in his element. From the very start on "Trouble Maker," he comes out swinging, ensuring there's not a dull moment until the final track. As his fourth EP, Rema continues to use these releases as creative testing grounds for a variety of sounds.
While my favorite track kept changing in the first few listens, I’ve finally settled on "Red Potion." Overall, I'd rate this project a solid 8/10.
In just 14 minutes and 26 seconds, Rema embarked on an exploration of new sounds that's both bold and unapologetic. He's never been one to hold back, transitioning from trap to Indian influences and absorbing each title with excellence. This EP is a treasure trove of potential anthems, ready to light up December festivities with its chest-thumping drums and hypnotic melodies.
Moreover, Rema has gifted social media users with a wealth of relatable lines for captions and replies, making this project a standout. What truly sets it apart is the raw, unfiltered edge that's a rarity in today's music landscape.
The replay value is exceptional, thanks to its instrumental composition and the infusion of Yoruba adlibs. My personal favorites are "Smooth Criminal" and "Red Potion." I'm eagerly looking forward to witnessing the ripple effect of this project as Rema brings these tracks to life on stages worldwide. As an unparalleled performer and entertainer, he's bound to make these songs shine beautifully on various global platforms.