Nigerian musician Rema is gearing up to release his first full-length studio album in two years.
Following up on his 2022 debut “Rave & Roses,” the highly anticipated album “Heis” is scheduled for release on Thursday, July 11.
The announcement of the new record comes alongside the release of a new single, “Hehehe,” which is available now.
In “Hehehe,” Rema showcases his signature style, capturing his diabolical laughter as he dismisses his critics.
The track begins with the lyrics, “Monday morning, talking about me while I’m making money/Hehe-hehe-hehe-hehe-he/I’m not gonna take it easy on my hater,” set to production that could easily fit a Joker scene in a Batman film.
“Hehehe” is the latest preview of “Heis,” following the release of “Benin Boys” nearly two weeks ago. The track, featuring Shallipopi, will also be included on the album.
Rema has not yet revealed the full tracklist for “Heis” or any additional collaborations that might be featured on the record.
His previous album, “Rave & Roses,” included collaborations with 6LACK, Chris Brown, AJ Tracey, and Yseult. Last year, he released a deluxe edition titled “Rave & Roses Ultra,” which featured the hit single “Calm Down” with Selena Gomez.
Reflecting on his new album, Rema told Rolling Stone, “For the past years, I’ve been light and jovial. I’m quite intense this time.
“One thing that you will hear in the future is just the rawness and realness — how raw Afrobeats has been before the whole globalization, but in a new way.
“With everything going viral and everything just spreading across the world, I feel like it has also affected the sound. We’re not just making what the people at home would enjoy.
“We’re also making what we hope the world would also enjoy. I got rid of that mentality getting in the studio, like, ‘I’ll start with what I love. The rest of the world can catch up.’”
As the release date for “Heis” approaches, fans eagerly await what Rema has in store with his new album, promising a blend of raw Afrobeats and a sound that resonates both at home and worldwide.