Nigerian singer Divine Ikubor, known worldwide as Rema, has made a historic breakthrough in the global music scene with his track “Calm Down Remix” featuring American pop star Selena Gomez. This hit song has now surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube, making it the first-ever Afrobeats song to reach this remarkable milestone. This achievement, confirmed by a check on Saturday by the DAILY POST, stands as a monumental moment not only for Rema but for the entire Afrobeats genre, as it signifies a level of global popularity previously unprecedented for an African music track.
Uploaded to Selena Gomez’s official YouTube channel two years ago, “Calm Down Remix” has continued to captivate audiences around the world, crossing cultural and geographical boundaries. The song’s 1-billion-view milestone on YouTube serves as a testament to the power and appeal of Afrobeats music, a genre that has seen significant growth in recent years but had yet to reach such iconic numbers in terms of global viewership on the platform. This achievement reflects the broader acceptance of Afrobeats on the world stage and underlines the impact of Rema’s music in extending the reach of the genre far beyond its African roots.
In a swift and impressive journey, “Calm Down Remix” has not only set the record as the first Nigerian song to cross 1 billion views on YouTube but has also claimed the title of the fastest African song to reach this number. In just two years, Rema and Selena Gomez’s collaboration has resonated with millions, reaching audiences across the globe and creating an undeniable imprint on the music industry. This speed in viewership growth marks it as a uniquely successful release, outpacing other African songs that have come close to global milestones but have yet to achieve them in such a short span of time.
The success of “Calm Down Remix” is further amplified when we consider the performance of the song’s original version, which has garnered an impressive 619 million views on YouTube. While this alone would be a considerable accomplishment, the remix version with Selena Gomez seems to have unlocked an even wider audience. Gomez’s contribution, with her distinctive voice and global appeal, added a new dimension to the song that resonated with fans worldwide.
The partnership between Rema and Selena Gomez is one of those rare, genre-blending collaborations that have the potential to bring diverse audiences together, and this record-breaking viewership is a reflection of just that.
Beyond YouTube, “Calm Down Remix” has set additional records on other music streaming platforms. In August of last year, the remix became the first African song to reach the billion-stream mark on Spotify. This milestone on Spotify, another global music platform, indicates that the song’s popularity is not limited to visuals but also translates strongly to streaming-only formats.
The song currently holds over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify, highlighting its continuing appeal and repeated listenability among fans. Such high streaming numbers are indicative of the song’s resonance with a global audience that not only enjoys the track but revisits it frequently, making it one of the most memorable African musical exports in recent history.
The accomplishment of “Calm Down Remix” in reaching the billion-view mark on both YouTube and Spotify has cemented Rema’s place in the music industry as an influential artist with a truly international fanbase.
For an Afrobeats artist from Nigeria to achieve these numbers is a reflection of the changing landscape of global music, where African artists are receiving the recognition and appreciation they deserve. This success also reflects the growing influence of Afrobeats, a genre that has moved from the periphery to a central place in the global music scene. With artists like Rema leading the way, the Afrobeats genre is experiencing unprecedented growth, breaking into markets previously dominated by Western music styles and trends.
The impact of “Calm Down Remix” goes beyond just the numbers. It has brought Afrobeats to new heights and increased its visibility, showing that African music can compete and thrive on the global stage. The song’s rhythmic beats, engaging melody, and relatable lyrics have made it a favorite for listeners of all ages and backgrounds.
In achieving this milestone, Rema has also set the stage for other Afrobeats artists to aim high, demonstrating that global audiences are eager to engage with African music and culture. This opens the door for more collaborations and a greater willingness by Western artists to partner with African musicians, creating a richer, more interconnected music industry.
Selena Gomez’s involvement in the remix undoubtedly played a role in elevating the song’s reach, drawing in her extensive fanbase and exposing them to Afrobeats in a way that would have been difficult without her endorsement.
Gomez’s influence, coupled with Rema’s unique sound and appeal, has created a piece of music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. This partnership shows the powerful potential of cross-genre and cross-cultural collaborations, where the unique strengths of each artist combine to create something that resonates on a universal level.
Rema’s rise to stardom with “Calm Down Remix” and its billion-view success reflect his artistry and his vision for Afrobeats. At only 23 years old, Rema has achieved what many artists can only dream of, and this achievement is just the beginning.
His success serves as an inspiration for other young African artists, proving that talent combined with strategic collaborations can pave the way for unprecedented success.
As Rema continues to gain international acclaim, his journey highlights the potential of Afrobeats to captivate the world. “Calm Down Remix” has not only brought African music into the global spotlight but has shown that songs from the continent have the power to bring people together.
The billion-view milestone of “Calm Down Remix” isn’t just a personal victory for Rema it’s a collective win for African music, Afrobeats, and artists worldwide who dream of making an impact.
