Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ Breaks 1 Billion On-Demand Streams in the US
Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, known by his stage name Rema, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone with his hit song “Calm Down.” The track has made history by becoming the first African song to garner over 1 billion on-demand streams in the United States. This landmark accomplishment not only highlights Rema’s immense talent and popularity but also underscores the growing global influence of Afrobeats and African music.
The notable achievement was confirmed by the American Music Stats Company, Chart Data. In a tweet, Chart Data announced, “REMA’s ‘Calm Down’ becomes the first Afrobeats song in history to earn over 1 billion on-demand streams in the US.” This declaration has been celebrated by fans and industry insiders alike, marking a significant moment for the genre and for African artists on the international stage.
Rema’s success with “Calm Down” is part of an impressive series of accomplishments for the young artist. In August of the previous year, the remix of “Calm Down” featuring pop star Selena Gomez became the first African song to exceed 1 billion streams on Spotify, setting another historic benchmark. The collaboration with Gomez brought additional international attention to the song, further elevating its status and Rema’s profile.
Additionally, the original version of “Calm Down” has been recognized by the Guinness World Records. It was acknowledged as the first number one song on the world’s first regional streaming chart, MENA (Middle East and North Africa). This accolade from Guinness World Records underscores the song’s wide-reaching impact and its popularity across different regions.
Rema’s achievements with “Calm Down” signify more than just personal success; they represent a broader movement within the music industry where African artists and Afrobeats are gaining unprecedented recognition and influence globally. This milestone serves as an inspiration for many upcoming African artists and highlights the potential of Afrobeats to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries, making a lasting impact on the global music scene.
