Rema’s “Calm Down” Becomes the First Track Led by an African Artist to Join Spotify’s Billions Club

Rema, one of Nigeria’s fastest-rising stars, is joining the Billions Club on Spotify. “Calm Down,” his hit single featuring Selena Gomez, has been exciting listeners on the dance floor and beyond since it was released in August 2022—and has been streamed repeatedly.

This achievement marks the first time an African artist–led track has racked up a billion streams on Spotify. And Rema is a worthy champion, as one of the top 10 most-streamed Afrobeats artists on the platform.

There’s power in a musical collaboration, especially when it’s from genre-spanning global artists. Collaborations can help fans discover new music, and can help artists attract new fans. “Calm Down” is one example of cross-cultural musical fusion that lets each artist shine in an unforgettable remix. The catchy blend of Afrobeat rhythms and melodies, coupled with Rema’s and Selena’s vocals, results in a bona fide billion-strong hit.

“It’s a blessing. It’s not just a big win for me, my team, and family; it’s also a big one for the culture,” shared Rema. “I feel really happy, and I’m really proud of the fans as well for going back to the song and putting people onto the song. Shout-out to the DJs and everyone who made this possible.”

Spotify data shows that the highest number of streams of “Calm Down” are coming from the U.S., India, Mexico, Brazil, and the U.K.—proof that the song truly transcends borders. It’s also been added to more than a million Spotify playlists.

“This milestone is absolutely remarkable for Rema, marking a pivotal moment for this talented artist and the entire Afrobeats community. It’s clear that the genre is making a significant impact and gaining substantial influence on the global music stage, and we are excited to continue supporting it at Spotify,” said Victor Okpala, Spotify’s Artist and Label Partnerships Manager for West Africa.

Joining the Billions Club cements Rema’s trailblazer status. It also highlights a big moment for Afrobeats music, and proves how the genre continues to evolve and grow.

Check out other tracks that have made it into the Billions Club, below.