Dremo

Dremo
Name	Dremo
Birth name	Martins Iheanyichukwu Okoloba
Birth date	1992
Birth place	Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria
Years active	2012–present
Labels	DMW, PolyGram Entertainment
Occupation	Singer, songwriter, rapper

Dremo is a Nigerian singer, songwriter, and rapper known for contemporary Afrobeats and hip hop fusion. He emerged from the Nigerian music industry through a combination of street-influenced lyrics and melodic hooks, gaining prominence after signing with Davido's DMW imprint. Dremo has released multiple mixtapes and albums, collaborated with prominent West African artists, and performed at major festivals and award shows.

Early life and education

Dremo was born Martins Iheanyichukwu Okoloba in Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria. He spent his formative years influenced by local street culture and national media such as Nigerian hip hop outlets and Lagos-based radio stations like Beat FM and Wazobia FM. He later relocated to Abuja and then Lagos State to pursue music, interacting with scenes around Lekki, Ikeja and performance spaces near National Theatre. His early development coincided with the rise of artists such as 2Baba, P-Square, Olamide, Phyno, and MI (rapper).

Music career

Dremo began releasing tracks independently in the early 2010s, aligning stylistically with contemporaries such as Reekado Banks, Mayorkun, Kizz Daniel, Adekunle Gold, and Runtown. His breakthrough came after signing to DMW, led by Davido, joining a roster that included Peruzzi and Yonda. He released mixtapes and singles that circulated on platforms like SoundCloud, YouTube, and Audiomack, gaining radio play on networks including Cool FM and Beat 99.9 FM. Dremo's releases have been distributed by major African distributors and labels such as Sony Music affiliates and Universal Music Group regional partners.

Musical style and influences

Dremo's musical style fuses Afrobeats, Nigerian hip hop, and melodic contemporary R&B, drawing comparisons to artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Ice Prince, Falz, and Sarz-produced work. His lyrical themes often reference urban life in Lagos State, personal ambition akin to Don Jazzy-era narratives, and party-oriented content characteristic of Afropop contemporaries. Producers and collaborators shaping his sound include Don Jazzy, Maleek Berry, Killertunes, Young Jonn, and Shizzi, reflecting cross-pollination with Nigerian record producers and international influences from Kanye West, Drake, and Kendrick Lamar cited in interviews.

Discography

Albums and mixtapes by Dremo include releases that circulated regionally and internationally through digital platforms and labels like PolyGram Entertainment. Notable projects feature collaborations with artists from Nigeria and the broader West Africa scene, and they received placements on playlists curated by services such as Apple Music and Spotify Africa. His singles and EPs have charted on local charts monitored by outlets including TurnTable and have been featured on television programs like MTV Base Africa and radio countdowns on Trace TV.

Collaborations and notable performances

Dremo has collaborated with a range of West African and international artists including Davido, Olamide, Timaya, Seyi Shay, Tiwa Savage, Ice Prince, Kizz Daniel, Mayorkun, Reekado Banks, L.A.X, and producers such as Don Jazzy and Sarz. He has performed at festivals and venues such as Felabration, Gidi Culture Festival, Calabar Carnival, Livespot X Festival, and club circuits in Lagos, Abuja, and Accra. Dremo has appeared at award shows and televised events including the Headies, Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards, and collaborative stages with international acts during tours involving artists like Chris Brown and Usher visiting Nigeria.

Awards and recognition

Dremo has received nominations and recognition from Nigerian award bodies such as The Headies and Nigeria Entertainment Awards, and has been acknowledged in industry lists by media outlets like The Guardian, TheCable, and Pulse Nigeria. His work has been featured on curated lists and year-end roundups by MTV Base Africa and pan-African streaming spotlights from Apple Music editorial teams, reflecting his growing prominence in the Nigerian music industry.

Personal life and other ventures

Outside music, Dremo has engaged with fashion influencers and brands in Lagos, aligning with lifestyle enterprises and entrepreneurs similar to House of Nnaemeka, NATIVE, and streetwear collaborations seen with peers such as Skales and Pheelz. He maintains a social media presence across platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, and participates in philanthropic and community events in Edo State and Lagos State, often appearing alongside industry figures such as Davido and Don Jazzy at launches and charity initiatives.

Category:Nigerian singer-songwriters Category:Nigerian rappers Category:Afrobeats musicians