Before being converted to video four days ago, Rema’s “Dumebi” in his native Nigeria (by way of neighboring Benin) laid claim to a modest following. Most of his recent Iron Man EP, “Dumebi” has become a viral phenomenon thanks to his ingenious choreography, which has generated a social-wide copy-cat movement.
As described, the Dumebi challenge wouldn’t be anything without the arc of storytelling that comes embedded with the project, bringing us back to a simpler time. Rema pursues his love interest by any means possible, even if it involves hanging him by the slimest margins, a wobbly skate deck, on a tailpipe.
Rema is just one of many artists who shoot their music videos as if they were short films, as you will soon discover if you decide to research the busy Nigerian music scene. The design of the costume is top notch, the design of the set is as fanciful. Most importantly, all the visual elements, including a loose storyline (more often than not), perfectly synchronize with the song’s emotional expression. Look out for the subsequent challenge as it continues to gain traction, peep the “Dumebi.”