Nigerian artist Rema continues to rewrite the record books with his breakout hit “Calm Down,” now officially the most-streamed Afrobeats song in the United States. According to Chart Data, the track has surpassed one billion on-demand streams, marking a historic first for Afrobeats in the U.S.
Initially released in February 2022 as part of Rema’s debut album “Rave and Roses,” the song quickly gained momentum, hailed by Billboard magazine for its “melancholy slow jam with a subtle hypnotic draw.” This distinctive quality has resonated deeply with listeners, propelling “Calm Down” to unprecedented heights.
Last year, Chart Data recognized the single as the “most successful African song of all time,” a testament to its enduring popularity. The accolades continued when a remix featuring U.S. singer Selena Gomez propelled the track to cross the billion-stream mark on Spotify.
In addition to its streaming success, “Calm Down” also made history on the Billboard Hot 100, spending a remarkable year on the chart and peaking at number three. This achievement solidified Rema’s position as a leading Afrobeats artist, setting a new standard for global recognition in the genre.
The remix’s music video has also garnered significant attention, nearing 894 million views on YouTube and becoming the most-watched by a Nigerian artist. Rema, known offstage as Divine Ikubor, has carved out his niche in Afrobeats with what he terms “Afrorave,” a fusion that distinguishes his sound among peers like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.
As “Calm Down” continues to resonate worldwide, Rema remains at the forefront of Afrobeats’ evolution, bridging cultures and making history with each milestone reached.
