Nigerian Hip-Hop Icon
Remilekun Khalid Safaru, better known by his stage names Reminisce and “Alaga Ibile,” is a Nigerian musician, lyricist, rapper, and actor born on January 26, 1981. Originating from Yewa South in Ogun State, he has made a profound impact on Nigerian music, blending English with Yoruba to create a unique style that resonates widely across diverse audiences.
Early Life and Background
Reminisce hails from Ajilete in Yewa South LGA of Ogun State but was born in Kaduna State, Northern Nigeria. From a young age, he immersed himself in both Nigerian and international music, actively participating in school performances and honing his musical talents. He later studied Purchasing and Supply at Kwara State Polytechnic.
Music Career
Reminisce’s first studio recording took place in 2006, where he worked on a hip-hop album with Coded Tunes, though the project was ultimately shelved as he chose to focus on his education. In 2008, he made a powerful comeback, featuring in 9ice’s song “Bachelor’s Life” from the acclaimed Gongo Aso album. His debut single, “Ever Since,” featuring 9ice, narrates his life’s journey, while his follow-up single, “If Only,” delves into themes of love.
In 2014, Time magazine highlighted Reminisce as one of the seven “World Rappers You Should Meet,” cementing his influence in global music. He also gained acclaim in Nigerian media, with NotJustOk ranking him among the top hip-hop artists of that year. His track “Local Rappers” in 2015, featuring Olamide and Phyno, stirred some controversy as fans interpreted it as critiquing English-speaking Nigerian rappers. This marked a turning point, with Reminisce embracing his identity as a rapper grounded in local culture. That same year, he became a brand ambassador for Orijin, an alcoholic beverage brand.
Albums and EPs
Book of Rap Stories (2012): Reminisce’s debut album produced by Sarz, Legendury Beatz, and others, which achieved significant commercial success in Southern Nigeria.
Alaga Ibile (2013): His sophomore album, “Alaga Ibile” (meaning “Chairman of the City” in Yoruba), solidified his status in the Nigerian music scene.
Baba Hafusa (2015): Reminisce’s third album debuted at No. 12 on the US Billboard World Albums chart, marking a historic achievement for African hip-hop. The genre-fusing album received critical acclaim for blending hip-hop with Afrobeat and Fuji sounds.
El-Hadj (2016): His fourth album debuted at No. 13 on the Billboard World Music chart, further establishing him as a pioneering figure in African hip-hop.
Vibes & Insha Allah EP (2020): Released during the COVID-19 pandemic, the six-track EP garnered millions of streams on Audiomack and features collaborations with Fireboy DML, Mo Safaru, and Fatimah Safaru.
Acting Career
Expanding into acting, Reminisce starred in the hit Nigerian political crime thriller King of Boys (2018) and reprised his role in the sequel King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021), both directed by Kemi Adetiba. His performance has received praise, highlighting his versatility beyond music.
Reminisce’s journey through Nigerian hip-hop reflects a dedication to preserving local culture while achieving global recognition.
Peoplesmind
