Rema is more than an artist—he’s a global phenomenon. Since his breakout in 2019, he has pushed the boundaries of Afrobeats, seamlessly blending it with elements of trap, pop, and alternative sounds. His ability to constantly evolve while staying true to his mystical, genre-bending artistry has made him one of the most innovative voices in contemporary African music.When the opportunity arose to design the logotype for HEIS, Rema’s highly anticipated album, we understood the weight of the project.
HEIS isn’t just another album; it’s a bold artistic statement. It marks a pivotal moment in Rema’s career—one that has now earned a Grammy nomination, solidifying his place as a global force in music. This project needed a visual identity that felt just as daring, rebellious, and forward-thinking as the sound itself. Our mission was clear: create a logotype that embodies Rema’s evolution, his enigmatic persona, and the raw energy of HEIS.
It had to be distinctive, unforgettable, and carry the same defiant spirit that runs through the album’s DNA.
Our approach was rooted in three powerful influences:
1. Anarchy Symbolism: A raw, defiant energy that challenges norms—mirroring Rema’s fearless approach to music and culture.
2. Bat Imagery: The bat, often seen as a creature of mystery and transformation, reflects Rema’s enigmatic persona and the nocturnal energy of his sound.
3. "Athena" by Romain Gavras: The visual language of this film—its chaotic beauty and rebellious spirit—inspired the sharp, unfiltered energy we wanted the logotype to convey.
Design Execution
Working with the talented Illustrator Bolu Sonnaike, we distilled these influences into a bespoke logotype that carries the essence of HEIS:
- Sharp, jagged forms that echo the wings of a bat in flight, symbolizing motion, freedom, and mystery.
- An asymmetric, distressed aesthetic that disrupts conventional balance, reinforcing the theme of controlled chaos.
- A monochrome palette with high contrast, making the logotype feel timeless yet aggressive, fitting seamlessly into HEIS’ visual identity.
The final logotype is more than a design—it’s an emblem of rebellion, transformation, and the dark allure of Rema’s new sound. It seamlessly integrates into the album’s visual world, from merchandising and album covers to stage visuals, ensuring that HEIS carries a cohesive and striking identity at every touchpoint.
With a Grammy nomination to its name, HEIS has already cemented itself as a defining album of the new Afrobeats era. And at Studio Unruly, we’re proud to have played a role in shaping its identity. We don’t just create logos—we craft symbols of identity that resonate. With HEIS, we delivered a mark of distinction that represents Rema’s artistic evolution and the spirit of the new wave.
We distill complexity into clarity, crafting solutions where every element serves a purpose. Guided by Creative Reductionism, we merge functionality and meaning to deliver impactful, purposeful designs that stand the test of time.
