Rema’s hit single “Calm Down” continues to make waves across the global music scene, recently earning the distinction of becoming the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the United States.
Chart Data, a music monitoring platform, confirmed on X that the track has surpassed one billion on-demand streams in the US, a first for any Afrobeats song.
This achievement adds to the song’s growing list of accolades, having previously been described by Chart Data as the “most successful African song of all time” last year. Analysts from Billboard magazine attribute the song’s enduring appeal to its “melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw,” a combination that keeps listeners coming back.
Released in February 2022 as a single from his debut album, Rave and Roses, “Calm Down” quickly gained momentum. The remix featuring US singer Selena Gomez, released a few months later, significantly amplified its reach, pushing the song to over a billion plays on Spotify. This collaboration not only highlighted Rema’s versatility but also marked a significant milestone for African music on the global stage.
The track’s success is also reflected in its performance on the Billboard Hot 100, where it spent a year and peaked at number three, the highest position achieved by an Afrobeats artist as the lead. The remix’s music video, with nearly 894 million views on YouTube, holds the title of the most-watched music video by a Nigerian artist, further cementing Rema’s influence in the industry.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, has carved out his niche within the Afrobeats genre, introducing what he calls “Afrorave.” This unique style blends traditional Afrobeats rhythms with elements of electronic and pop music, setting him apart from peers like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
Reflecting on his journey, Rema credits his innovative approach to music for his success. “Afrorave is about pushing boundaries and creating something new that resonates with people around the world,” he said in a recent interview. “It’s amazing to see how far ‘Calm Down’ has come and how it continues to connect with so many people.”
As Rema continues to rise, his achievements with “Calm Down” symbolize a broader shift in the global music landscape, where Afrobeats is gaining unprecedented recognition and acclaim. His trailblazing efforts not only spotlight his talent but also pave the way for future generations of African artists to make their mark on the world stage.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Emmanuel Mensah
