• Rema has unveiled the artwork for his second studio album, HEIS
• Nigerians have promptly reacted to the art, labelling it as controversial and comparing it with his debut
• The album is scheduled to be out on July 11

The artwork of his upcoming album has again sparked controversies, similar to what happened when he unveiled the one for his debut.

The award-winning artiste announced the news via his official X account (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, July 9. This comes a day after he dropped his single “Hehehe.” 

Tracing Rema’s growth in the industry from a teenager to a 24-year-old, there is a significant evolution in his styles, branding, and artwork—especially when comparing his debut album to the upcoming sophomore. 

His 14-track debut album, Raves and Roses, stirred controversies around what the artwork connoted, particularly with speculations that he had something against the church. 

The artwork of the album, released on the 25th of March, 2022, captured a church burning upside down. On the side, there is also a person, in a skeletal form, falling as he burns with fire. 

Artwork for Rema’s debut album, Rave and Roses

The singer and rapper also bought a 6.2 billion naira church-burning upside-down necklace, which caused a controversial stir and led him to cancel a concert in Ethiopia. 

It was alleged that the music star was a devil worshiper. However, defying the allegations, Rema, in an interview, noted that the necklace is a memory of his hard work, sweats and all he has put into the Afrobeats genre. 

His sophomore album’s artwork, on the other hand, is a short animation clip. It captures a boy standing behind flames with bats flying around. A heavy gold necklace with a bat pendant is around the boy’s neck, while his right eye illuminates a glowing red light.

Artwork for HEIS, Rema’s sophomore album

Mixed reactions trail artwork of Rema’s 2nd album

Moments after he announced the date for his second album, some people trooped to his comment section to anticipate the release, while others aired their controversial opinions about the artworks. 

@F_O_C_A_ll said, “Is Rema dropping hints or just flexing his artistic flair? His album artwork got me feeling like I stumbled into an Illuminati meeting!” 

@Uchechukwu459 stated; “You really change this is not the rema of 2020/2021.”

@Silva_ojonimi said, “Eje. Ur song don de go another dimension o. We no understand u again since u begin smoke igb0 oooo.”

@realtimmywrld wrote, “I am fully anticipating your album; I will be there.” 

@TheDamiForeign said, “Abeg go give us the India Rema back. This Benin boy thing no sweet.”

@LennyCliff01 commented, “I want to see what this your new personality will cook.” 

@Shawnifee wrote, “Rave and Roses album was a top tier album. One of the best, yet criminally underrated albums released in recent years.Can’t wait for this one. Looks like it would be another good one!”

@abazwhyllzz said, “I plasterrrrrrrrrrrrrr.” 

@ibitoye_jethro “Records don dey shiver.” 

@Muizayo_ wrote, “Na wetin you Dey cook for your fans be this?”

@DISCIPLE_115 said, “HE is HIM for sure!” 

Music projects expected to drop in second half of 2024

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that some music albums would be released in the second half of 2024, as fans have expressed their anticipation of projects from some of their favourite artistes.

Asake, D’banj and Victony are among the artistes expected to release musical projects as the year enters the second half.