Nigerian Afrobeats prodigy Rema, born Divine Ikubor, reached new international heights in 2022 and 2023 when the remix of his chart-topping single “Calm Down”, featuring American pop superstar Selena Gomez, turned into a global phenomenon. The track, a blend of Afrobeat rhythm and global pop appeal, captured hearts from Lagos to Los Angeles and solidified Rema’s status as a major force in world music.
Originally released in February 2022 as part of his debut album “Rave & Roses”, the solo version of “Calm Down” already enjoyed widespread acclaim and commercial success across Africa and Europe. However, the release of the Selena Gomez-assisted remix in August 2022 took the song to an entirely new level, catapulting it into the global mainstream and onto major music charts around the world.
The Power of Collaboration: How Selena Gomez Helped Expand the Reach
Collaborations have long been a tool for expanding musical borders, and Rema’s decision to team up with Selena Gomez proved to be a masterstroke. Known for her crossover appeal, massive fan base, and vocal versatility, Gomez added a new dimension to the already infectious song without compromising its Afrobeat core.
Her soft harmonies and bilingual lyric insertions allowed the track to appeal to wider demographics, particularly in the U.S., Latin America, and Asia. The chemistry between Rema’s rhythmic flow and Selena’s sweet delivery made the remix universally accessible, without losing the soulful essence that made “Calm Down” a hit in the first place.
Their collaboration sent a clear message: Afrobeats had fully arrived on the global stage—and it wasn’t going anywhere.
Chart Domination Around the World
Following the release of the remix, “Calm Down” quickly became one of the most streamed and downloaded songs of the year. Its presence was felt on virtually every major platform:
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Billboard Hot 100 (U.S.): “Calm Down” debuted in the Top 100 and eventually peaked at No. 3, marking Rema’s highest position ever on the American chart and making him one of the few African artists to achieve that feat.
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UK Singles Chart: The song climbed into the Top 5, further highlighting its cross-Atlantic appeal.
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Spotify Global Charts: At one point, the song was among the Top 10 most-streamed songs worldwide, maintaining a strong presence for several consecutive weeks.
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YouTube: The official music video and lyric videos collectively amassed over 700 million views, making it one of the most-watched Afrobeats songs in history.
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Shazam: “Calm Down” frequently topped Shazam charts in over 20 countries, showcasing how its catchy tune transcended linguistic barriers.
Its dominance also extended to markets like India, Brazil, France, Germany, and the Middle East, proving the global universality of Rema’s sound.
A Cultural Crossover with Lasting Impact
Beyond the numbers, “Calm Down” became a cultural milestone. For many international listeners, the song served as their introduction to Afrobeats. Its global success opened doors for more African artists seeking international exposure and set new expectations for what Afro-fusion music could achieve.
From dance challenges on TikTok to luxury brand campaigns using the song’s melody, “Calm Down” permeated pop culture. It played in stadiums, fashion shows, clubs, and weddings. The remix also became a radio mainstay, frequently on rotation across North America, Europe, and Latin America.
For many, the song’s universal message of love, patience, and emotional vulnerability gave it timeless appeal. It wasn’t just a summer hit—it was a global soundtrack to human connection.
Rema’s Unique Sound and Appeal
What sets Rema apart is his ability to blend genres. While rooted in Afrobeats, his music draws from trap, pop, R&B, and Indian influences, creating a sound that is distinctly global yet authentically African. “Calm Down” exemplifies this fusion, with rhythmic drum patterns, melodic synths, and a vocal cadence that feels both soothing and energizing.
His image also plays a role. With his dreadlocks, youthful energy, and futuristic fashion sense, Rema represents the new generation of African creatives—confident, experimental, and unapologetically themselves.
He speaks directly to Gen Z audiences across the globe, addressing themes like identity, heartbreak, ambition, and resilience—all while delivering irresistible hooks and polished visuals.
Selena Gomez’s Role: A Gateway to the American Market
Selena Gomez’s involvement was more than just a feature—it served as a gateway to mainstream American audiences. As a global pop figure with over 400 million Instagram followers and a decade-long music and acting career, Gomez’s participation brought new visibility to the track and to Afrobeats as a genre.
Gomez herself expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, praising Rema’s talent and authenticity. In interviews and social media posts, she called him “one of the most unique voices I’ve ever worked with” and noted how honored she was to be part of the song’s journey.
Her fans, many of whom had never explored African music before, were introduced to the world of Afrobeats through “Calm Down”—a fact that underscores the song’s cultural significance.
Awards and Recognition
“Calm Down (Remix)” was more than a chart-topper—it became a multi-award-winning hit. By the end of 2023, the song had received nominations and wins at several prestigious music awards, including:
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MTV Europe Music Awards (EMAs) – Best African Act
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American Music Awards (AMAs) – Favorite Afrobeats Song
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Billboard Music Awards – Top Afrobeats Song
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The Headies – Song of the Year and Best Collaboration
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BET Awards – International Song of the Year (Nominee)
The accolades further cemented the track’s legendary status and confirmed Rema’s place among global music royalty.
Opening Doors for Afrobeats Globally
“Calm Down” was not just a song—it was a catalyst for change in how Afrobeats is received internationally. The track inspired several U.S. and European labels to expand their African rosters and prompted global festivals to include more African acts.
Rema’s success proved that African artists do not need to water down their sound or culture to gain international recognition. Authenticity, when paired with strong production and strategic collaborations, could break even the highest barriers.
The song’s reception also signaled to streaming platforms and radio networks that the world was hungry for more diverse sounds—and that Africa had the creativity and talent to deliver.
What’s Next for Rema?
Rema continues to ride the wave of “Calm Down’s” success while working on new music. He has hinted at upcoming collaborations with artists from the U.S., South America, and Asia. His performance schedule remains packed, with international festivals, solo tours, and joint events planned for the foreseeable future.
As an ambassador of Afrobeats, Rema now shoulders the responsibility of representing the genre on even bigger platforms. And with his evident talent, strategic partnerships, and evolving artistry, he seems more than ready for the challenge.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment in Music History
The global success of “Calm Down” featuring Selena Gomez will be remembered as one of the defining music moments of the 2020s. It symbolized more than just a viral hit—it was a triumph of cross-cultural creativity, a testament to the global power of Afrobeats, and a milestone for African representation in mainstream music.
For Rema, it marked the transformation from local star to global sensation. For the world, it was a reminder that great music knows no borders.
