Nigerian singer Rema has opened up about the difficult balance between maintaining security as a major artiste and remaining accessible to fans who simply want to meet or take a picture with him.
The “Calm Down” hitmaker said he sometimes feels guilty when his security personnel push fans away, because he remembers being in the same position as an upcoming artiste who once looked up to established musicians.
He recalled an encounter with musician Patoranking, who agreed to take a picture with him despite being sweaty after performing.
Rema said the moment meant a lot to him at the time because he wanted to have pictures with established musicians to show people how far he was progressing in his career.
He said the experience has stayed with him and that photo remains his favorite in his gallery.
Rema also expressed frustration over the restrictions that come with celebrity life, saying artistes often have to compensate for their inability to freely interact with people by giving out money.
“I actually do feel guilty when security is all like, ‘Do away, do away. But just to compensate, you just have to share money, but there’s no time you want to walk out the streets and enjoy my own country,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Rema believes it is still possible for artistes to connect with people and enjoy a level of normalcy while maintaining the security required by their status.
