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Infinity Media
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Rema's "Calm Down" Featuring Selena Gomez Hits 1 Billion Views On Youtube: The Nigerian Hit That Took The World By Storm
Nigerian singer Rema has reached a major milestone in his career with his single “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez, officially becoming the first song by a Nigerian artist to hit 1 billion views on YouTube. This landmark achievement highlights the global impact of Afrobeats, signaling how Nigerian music is continually breaking barriers on the international stage.
The Rise of Rema: A Global Star in the Making
Divine Ikubor, known as Rema, first gained recognition with his breakthrough single “Dumebi” in 2019, which earned him a loyal following across Nigeria and beyond. Born in Benin City, Nigeria, in 2000, Rema brought a fresh sound that quickly set him apart in the Afrobeats genre. Signed to Jonzing World, an imprint of Mavin Records, his music is a unique blend of Afrobeats, trap, and Afro-pop, giving him a distinct and appealing style. With "Calm Down," Rema solidified his place as an artist capable of capturing listeners across continents.
Collaboration with Selena Gomez: Expanding the Reach of Afrobeats
The collaboration with American pop sensation Selena Gomez on the remix of "Calm Down" added an extra layer of international appeal to the track. Gomez's influence brought the song to a broader audience, particularly in the United States and Europe. Released in August 2022, the remix quickly topped international charts, rising to No. 3 on Billboard’s Global 200 chart and entering Billboard’s Hot 100. Gomez's feature allowed the song to tap into the Latino and North American music markets, two regions where Afrobeats had been growing in popularity but hadn’t fully saturated.
The synergy between Rema and Selena Gomez added to the track's success, with Gomez's delicate yet soulful voice complementing Rema’s rhythmic flows. The remix received wide acclaim, sparking multiple dance challenges on social media and catapulting it to become one of the most recognizable Afrobeats tracks globally.
The Magic of "Calm Down": Why It Resonates Worldwide
"Calm Down" has become an anthem of smooth Afrobeats vibes, blending catchy melodies with an infectious rhythm that resonates across borders. The lyrics tell a story of love, attraction, and persistence, themes universally relatable, and Rema's laid-back delivery with Selena Gomez’s heartfelt feature made the song even more appealing.
From the upbeat tempo to its memorable chorus, "Calm Down" embodies the feel-good essence of Afrobeats. The music video is vibrant and colorful, depicting Rema’s Nigerian roots through expressive dance, fashion, and scenes set in iconic Nigerian locations. The visual appeal, combined with the easygoing melody, contributed to the song's viral success on social media, leading fans worldwide to share and participate in dance challenges.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
With 1 billion views on YouTube, “Calm Down” has cemented itself as a cultural phenomenon. This achievement makes Rema one of the most internationally recognized Nigerian artists today. The song also broke records on Spotify, becoming one of the most-streamed Afrobeats tracks on the platform, and reaching a new level for Nigerian music on Billboard, Spotify, and other streaming platforms. The milestone is not just a personal triumph for Rema but a testament to the global recognition of Afrobeats as a genre with universal appeal.
The success of "Calm Down" has encouraged further collaborations between African and Western artists. By crossing this milestone, Rema has set a new standard for other Afrobeats musicians aspiring to make a global impact, furthering the narrative that African music has a place on the world’s biggest stages.
What’s Next for Rema?
Rema’s success with "Calm Down" has elevated expectations for his future releases. He is part of a wave of Nigerian artists, like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems, who are shifting the global music landscape. He’s working on new music and collaborations, and fans are eagerly awaiting what he’ll bring next to the table. Rema’s influence in expanding Afrobeats to new regions is now undeniable, and his continued success is likely to pave the way for more Nigerian artists to gain international recognition.
Conclusion
The success of "Calm Down" is more than just a viral hit—it’s a historical milestone for Nigerian music and for Afrobeats on the world stage. With its infectious beat, universal message, and the power of Rema and Selena Gomez's collaboration, the song has touched a global audience and showcased the power of cross-cultural music collaborations. This 1 billion views achievement is only the beginning, as it symbolizes the rise of African music to mainstream global recognition.
As Rema continues to break records and reach new heights, “Calm Down” will be remembered as a song that not only topped charts but also opened doors for African artists worldwide, setting a powerful precedent for what is possible in the world of music.
