I grew up too fast, I want to feel like a child again – Rema

Afrobeat singer, Rema, has shared a heart-wrenching account of how his father’s death forced him to grow up too quickly.

In an interview with GRM, 24-year-old Rema revealed that he had to assume responsibility for his family’s well-being at a tender age, sacrificing his childhood in the process.

According to him, he longs to “feel young again” and experience the carefree nature of youth.

It was gathered that Rema recently started smoking cigarettes as a way to break free from the constant seriousness and scrutiny that comes with fame.

He said despite being an adult, he faces criticism for his decision, highlighting the double standards faced by celebrities.

He expressed his desire to be a “rebel” and make mistakes without judgment, like his peers.

Rema said his project, “HeIs,” is an attempt to tap into his youthful spirit and embrace his true self.

He said: “I really wanted to feel like a child again… I feel like I grew up too fast. Life switched up on me crazy when I lost my dad and my brother. The weight was just on my shoulder and forced me to sell my childhood to provide for my family.

“God willing, everything happened well, it happened fast. And with fast fame, comes fast maturity. It’s just like never ending level of seriousness. So much adults. So much meetings. I didn’t even rolled with my age mates.

“So this project [‘HeIs’], I just want to be a child. And it’s coming out. It’s not me forcing it out. It just sparked in my spirit. I just want to feel young again. I just to be a rebel. You know, kids make mistakes and it’s acceptable. But when you’re a teenager and you make the same mistake your peers would make, everyone will come for you just because you’re in the spotlight.

“I know people who smoked a cigarette when they were 13 and I’m 24 smoking a cigarette because I just want to feel free and break some rules. All my life just feel so planned and scheduled. I just got tired.”