Photo Credit: Getty Images
Nigerian music sensation Rema has etched his name in the annals of music history with his hit single “Calm Down,” now heralded as the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the United States. This groundbreaking track has shattered barriers, amassing over one billion on-demand streams, a feat that marks it as the first Afrobeats song to achieve such a milestone in the US.
Released in February 2022 as part of his debut album “Rave and Roses,” “Calm Down” quickly resonated with audiences worldwide. Its enchanting melody and Rema’s unique vocal delivery created an irresistible blend that captivated listeners. The song’s success was further amplified by a remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez, propelling it to new heights on various streaming platforms, including Spotify where it hit the billion-plays mark.
Chart Data, a renowned music monitoring platform, has lauded “Calm Down” as the “most successful African song of all time.” Music analysts from Billboard magazine attribute its success to its “melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw” that lingers in the minds of listeners, beckoning them to hit replay.
The song’s visual companion has not gone unnoticed either. With nearly 894 million views on YouTube, the remix’s music video stands as the most-watched by a Nigerian artist. This visual feast complements the auditory experience, further solidifying Rema’s position in the global music scene.
“Calm Down” also boasts a year-long presence on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at an impressive number three. This achievement marks it as the highest-charting song by an Afrobeats musician in a lead role.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, has embraced his success with humility and innovation. He describes his musical style as “Afrorave,” a sub-genre of Afrobeats that he has pioneered. With this historic accomplishment, Rema joins the ranks of prominent Nigerian Afrobeats artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido, who have all contributed to bringing African rhythms to the forefront of the global music stage.
As “Calm Down” continues to make waves across continents, it stands as a testament to the universal language of music and the boundless potential of Afrobeats.
