Rema Unveils Hidden Symbolism Behind HEIS Album: Dragons, Rage, and the End of Innocence
The Afrobeats Star Breaks Down the Deeper Meaning Behind His Sophomore Era
Rema is finally lifting the curtain on the mysterious and mythic world behind his sophomore album, HEIS. In a series of revelations that stunned fans, the Nigerian global star shared some of the spiritual, personal, and visual inspirations behind the album, and it’s deeper than most ever realized.
“I Was Born in a Dragon Year”
Rema begins by anchoring the HEIS era in personal mythology:
“I was born in a dragon year.” (2000)
In Chinese astrology, the Year of the Dragon (which occurs every 12 years) symbolizes power, transformation, intensity, and energy – fitting traits for the artist behind some of Afrobeats‘ most genre-bending and emotionally charged records.
He reveals that the first visual reference to his “dragon” energy appeared in the cover art for Bounce – the very track where he first teased the idea of RAGE, a theme that would evolve into the foundation of HEIS.
“My Innocence Was Dying”
But the story gets darker – and more symbolic.
“I showed signs from the artworks leading to Ravage — how my innocence was dying.”
He points out how his cover art over the years has carried hidden messages, narrating the internal battle between childlike purity and emotional turmoil. The teddy bears – once soft emblems of innocence – are often depicted stabbed with arrows, burning, or found near graves. Roses, another recurring motif, are seen engulfed in flames, symbolizing a love or youth consumed by rage and pain.
From Soundgasm to Rave & Roses (Ultra) to Ravage, these covers weren’t just visuals – they were coded emotional diaries, charting Rema’s psychological and artistic transformation.
The Mask at O2 Wasn’t Just for Show
Rema’s storytelling continued through fashion. Recalling his first headlining show at London’s O2 Arena, he revealed that his elaborate stage look, particularly the mask, was far from just an aesthetic choice.
“No stone on that mask was fake. Everything on that mask was energy bound.”“I knew I couldn’t hold the rage anymore… I had to refine it and translate it into making HEIS.”
It was a ritualistic moment: rage transformed into resolve, chaos distilled into creativity. That performance marked a turning point – a signal that Rema had outgrown his earlier innocence and was stepping into his full artistic power.
HEIS: A Refined Flame
All these breadcrumbs now make sense in the context of HEIS – an album that’s not just a musical project but a manifestation of Rema’s evolution. From playful prodigy to fire-wielding visionary, he’s crafted a sonic universe where everything – from the cover art to the stage outfits – is intentional, symbolic, and rooted in personal truth.
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