Rema’s “Calm Down” continues to set new records, solidifying the 24-year-old Nigerian artist’s place in music history.
The hit track has achieved yet another milestone, becoming the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the US, according to Chart Data.
The song is now the first Afrobeats track to surpass one billion on-demand streams in the US, further cementing its place as a historic achievement in the genre.
Released in February 2022 as part of Rema’s debut album, “Rave and Roses,” “Calm Down” quickly gained global recognition. Billboard magazine attributes the song’s success to its “melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw,” which has captivated listeners and prompted repeated plays.
The track’s unique sound has made it the “most successful African song of all time,” according to Chart Data.
A significant boost to the song’s popularity came when Rema collaborated with US singer Selena Gomez for a remix, which further propelled the track’s success.
The remix reached the billion-plays mark on Spotify and became the first African song to remain on the Billboard Hot 100 for a year, peaking at number three. This achievement made it the highest-charting song by an Afrobeats musician as the lead artist.
The remix’s music video, boasting nearly 894 million views on YouTube, is currently the most-watched by a Nigerian artist. This level of success has positioned Rema alongside other prominent Nigerian Afrobeats artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has distinguished himself in the Afrobeats scene with his unique style, which he calls “Afrorave.” His innovative approach and the monumental success of “Calm Down” have not only boosted his career but also brought global attention to the Afrobeats genre.