Rema, a Nigerian sensation, achieved a historic milestone by reaching 1 billion on-demand streams with his track “Calm Down,” featuring a remix by Selena Gomez. This accomplishment made him the first African and Afrobeats artist to achieve this, highlighting the genre’s global appeal and innovation.
Adeayo Adebiyi, a culture critic, emphasized the significance of Rema’s success in the U.S., indicating the potential growth for Nigerian music in this market. The commercial viability of Nigerian music and its global resonance are evident through this achievement.
Unveiling the Key Components
While “Calm Down” adds to the list of successful African songs, its overwhelming success in the past decade raises questions on the contributing factors that led to this outcome.
The Influence of “Essence”
“Essence,” Wizkid’s track from the “Made in Lagos” album featuring Tems, played a pivotal role in the recent global recognition of Afrobeats. Its collaborations, remixes, and endorsements from top artists propelled the genre to new heights. The success of Tems and other artists alongside the surge of Ckay’s “Love Nwantiti” paved the way for the triumph of “Calm Down.”
Secrets to Rema’s Hit
Industry experts attribute the success of “Calm Down” to its impeccable timing and the song’s simplicity. The easy-to-follow composition and catchy tunes transcended language barriers, similar to other global Afrobeats hits. The song’s release coincided with the global focus on Afrobeats, garnering immense support and attention.
The accessible and melodious nature of Afrobeats songs like “Calm Down,” “Fall” by Davido, and “Ojuelegba” by Wizkid have found success by staying true to Nigerian roots and delivering catchy hooks.
Selena Gomez’s involvement also played a significant role in propelling “Calm Down” to global stardom. The numerous accolades and records set by the track signify a breakthrough for the Afrobeats genre, paving the way for increased investment and recognition globally.
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