Rema has once again decided to run with the torch he was handed. This time around, with another culture-bending anthem “Kelebu,” a percussive, chant-driven track that thrives on repetition, swagger, and dance-floor energy. Known for fusing Afrobeats traditions with global influences, Rema is fast leaning into street sounds, playful lingo, and rhythmic chants to create a song that’s both familiar and fresh.
At its core, “Kelebu” is built on minimalist but experimental production. The beat is steady and bouncy. It mixes Afrobeats percussions with subtle Amapiano influences, giving the song that signature South-to-West African crossover appeal. The repetition of the title word “kelebu” becomes an almost hypnotic chant, layered with light synth textures and punchy drum patterns. It’s made for movement, and with viral clips of the tune on TikTok, in the club, the song is racking in huge numbers.
Rema | Credit: Instagram
Rema’s vocal delivery is playful, commanding, and effortlessly stylish. He knows how to use his voice like an instrument, bouncing off the beat with rhythmic cadences and melodic flair. His frequent use of ad-libs (“Ha,” “Uh,” “Brrt,” “Vrrt-vrro”) adds character and chaos in a way that keeps the song exciting and dynamic. There’s no deep vocal strain or over-singing here it’s relaxed confidence throughout. A testament that Rema hasn’t reached his prime yet, and that prime will tear up the streets.
Lyrically, “Kelebu” doesn’t aim for depth but for rhythm, repetition, and cultural vibes. The verses bounce between local slang and international flair: from “shake your bakasi” to “rocking my Lanvin” in Paris. He name-drops places from Nigeria to Mozambique, establishing the song as a pan-African banger. The chorus, made up almost entirely of the word “kelebu,” feels like a universal dance call, easy to chant, impossible to forget.
The second verse touches on luxury and lifestyle: Paris, designer brands, and status symbols, all delivered with tongue-in-cheek confidence. It shows Rema’s ability to fuse streetwise charm with high-fashion flex.
Rema | Credit: Instagram
This track screams dance anthem. With phrases like “kpepeye dey dance, kelebe dey dance,” Rema invites everyone to join the rhythm. It’s easy to see this track blowing up in clubs, street parades, and digital challenges. The repetition of simple, catchy phrases ensures accessibility across borders and languages.
“Kelebu” may not be Rema’s most lyrical or most experimental record, but it’s a masterclass in how to make simple sound powerful. It’s loud, energetic, and purposefully chaotic. It embraces rhythm over reason and movement over meaning. What Rema has created here isn’t just a song, it’s a chant, a mood, and potentially a global dance trend.
Words by Zimiso Nyamande
