- Rema's "Calm Down" becomes most-streamed Afrobeats song in US.
- Song dubbed "most successful African song of all time" by Chart Data.
- Remix featuring Selena Gomez spends a year on Billboard Hot 100.
- Music video becomes most-watched by a Nigerian artist on YouTube.
Nigerian afrobeats sensation Rema is making waves globally, particularly in the US, with his hit song “Calm Down”. The 24-year-old artist has achieved a historic milestone in the US, with “Calm Down” becoming the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the country.
According to Chart Data, “Calm Down” is the “most successful African song of all time”. Billboard magazine music analysts attribute the song’s success to its “melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw”, which gets stuck in listeners’ minds and prompts repeat listens.
The song was released in February 2022 as a single off Rema’s debut album, Rave and Roses. A few months later, Rema partnered with US singer Selena Gomez for a remix of the song, which hit the billion-plays mark on Spotify.
The remix of “Calm Down” became the first African song to spend a year on the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at number three. This achievement makes Rema the highest-charting Afrobeats artist as a lead artist.
The remix’s music video has nearly 894 million views on YouTube, making it the most-watched music video by a Nigerian artist. This milestone solidifies Rema’s position among prominent Nigerian Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Rema’s success is attributed to his unique style of Afrobeats, which he has dubbed “Afrorave”. This style has resonated with fans globally, contributing to his international success. Rema’s achievement is a testament to the growing global recognition of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. His success paves the way for other Nigerian artists to break into the international music scene.
With his historic achievement, Rema has cemented his status as a global superstar, pushing the boundaries of Afrobeats and Nigerian music. His unique style and talent have endeared him to fans worldwide.
Rema’s “Calm Down” has become an anthem, transcending borders and genres. Its success is a reflection of Rema’s hard work and dedication to his craft. As Rema continues to make waves in the music industry, fans eagerly anticipate his future projects, expecting more groundbreaking achievements from the talented artist.
