Lagos, Nigeria – June 18, 2024: Nigerian music sensation Rema has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by becoming the first African artist to surpass a billion streams in the United States with his hit song “Calm Down.” This achievement marks a significant moment in the global music landscape, highlighting the growing influence of Afrobeats.
According to Chart Data on June 17, 2024, Rema’s “Calm Down” has amassed over a billion streams in the U.S., making it the biggest African export to date. The song’s widespread acclaim and streaming success have earned it numerous awards and top chart positions globally. The remix version, featuring pop star Selena Gomez, has also made history as the first Afrobeats and African song to exceed a billion on-demand streams in the U.S.
Originally part of Rema’s debut album, Rave & Roses, released in March 2022, the remix with Gomez became a massive global hit, particularly in the U.S. The track reached a peak position of No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, setting a new record for a contemporary African song and making it the highest-charting African track since Hugh Masekela’s 1968 hit “Grazing in the Grass.” Additionally, “Calm Down” has maintained a remarkable presence on the Billboard Hot 100 for over 52 weeks and topped the Billboard Pop Airplay Chart, both unprecedented achievements for an African artist.
The song’s success is further highlighted by its impressive 4X platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), underscoring its widespread popularity and enduring appeal. This milestone not only marks a significant achievement for Rema but also reflects the rising prominence of African music on the global stage.
Rema’s achievement is a testament to his talent and the growing global appeal of Afrobeats, paving the way for future African artists to break into the international music scene and achieve similar success.