The American entertainment magazine Billboard has come under intense criticism online after resharing a June 2025 article that described Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”
The post, shared Sunday via Billboard’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, revived a ranking of 25 artistes the publication categorized under the label. Rema was placed at No. 6 on the list, primarily for his global smash hit Calm Down, which features U.S. pop singer Selena Gomez.
The resurfaced classification triggered widespread backlash from fans, music industry observers, and Afrobeats enthusiasts who argued that the description misrepresents the Nigerian artist’s growing international catalogue and commercial performance.
Billboard’s Rationale: Chart Metrics and “Calm Down” Success
In the article, Billboard explained that while the original version of Calm Down gained traction on the magazine’s U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, it was the remix featuring Selena Gomez that propelled the track into mainstream American success.
The publication noted that the song peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 — one of the most competitive singles charts globally — and became one of the most commercially successful Afrobeats songs in history.
According to the article, the remix’s crossover appeal significantly amplified the song’s visibility across radio, streaming platforms, and global markets.
The article further stated that, although Rema had not returned to the Hot 100 since that peak as of June 7, 2025, he had recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart within the same period.
Billboard quoted Rema discussing how he secured Gomez’s collaboration:
“After releasing the original ‘lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-wo-wo-wo-wo’-ing version of ‘Calm Down’ in 2023, Nigeria’s Rema noticed it breaking on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He took a swing and recruited Gomez for the female vocal and, shockingly, she agreed. ‘I had my fingers crossed,’ he told Billboard.”
However, critics argue that chart performance alone does not justify the “one-hit wonder” designation, especially given Rema’s sustained influence within Afrobeats and global streaming markets.
Online Backlash: Fans Push Back
Following the reshared post, social media platforms were flooded with reactions questioning Billboard’s classification.
Fans highlighted Rema’s broader discography, which includes multiple successful singles, albums, and collaborations across international markets.
Many argued that labeling him a “one-hit wonder” ignores:
- His consistent performance on Afrobeats charts
- Strong streaming numbers across global platforms
- Sold-out tours and international festival appearances
- Awards and nominations across multiple regions
Supporters also pointed out that charting on the Hot 100 is not the sole indicator of artistic relevance, particularly for non-American genres that often thrive in digital and global streaming ecosystems outside traditional U.S. radio metrics.
Rema’s Global Rise Beyond “Calm Down”
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, rose to prominence as one of the leading voices of the new-generation Afrobeats movement. Since his breakout in 2019, he has built a strong international following.
His debut album and subsequent releases have performed strongly on streaming platforms, contributing to Afrobeats’ expanding footprint in North America, Europe, and Asia.
The commercial success of Calm Down — particularly the Selena Gomez remix — marked a historic milestone for Afrobeats, becoming one of the longest-charting African songs in U.S. chart history.
Industry analysts say the song’s crossover success helped cement Afrobeats as a globally dominant genre, opening doors for other Nigerian and African artists to access mainstream Western markets.
The “One-Hit Wonder” Debate
The phrase “one-hit wonder” traditionally refers to artists who achieve a single major commercial success but fail to replicate similar chart performance.
Music analysts argue that such labels can be reductive, particularly in an era where streaming, global touring revenue, and digital fan bases often outweigh traditional radio-driven chart metrics.
While Billboard’s ranking appears to have been based on Hot 100 peak performance as of a specific date, critics argue that Rema’s broader influence and consistent output contradict the classification.
Several music commentators have noted that genre-specific charts — such as the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart — reflect sustained popularity within niche and global audiences, even if crossover Hot 100 success is less frequent.
Afrobeats and Global Chart Dynamics
The controversy also highlights ongoing debates about how Western chart systems measure global genres like Afrobeats.
Although Afrobeats has achieved unprecedented international success in recent years, artists from the genre often face structural barriers within U.S.-centric radio and promotional systems.
Chart experts note that crossover success often depends on:
- Strategic international collaborations
- Strong label backing
- Radio airplay penetration
- Viral social media momentum
In the case of Calm Down, Selena Gomez’s participation expanded the track’s reach into mainstream American pop audiences.
However, many fans argue that the original song’s organic streaming performance predated the remix’s success, demonstrating Rema’s standalone appeal.
Industry Implications
The backlash underscores the sensitivity surrounding representation of African artists in Western media.
Afrobeats has grown into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, with Nigerian artists increasingly dominating international festival lineups and digital streaming charts.
Industry observers say Western publications must balance statistical chart analysis with cultural and global market contexts.
Some analysts argue that while Billboard’s classification may have been technically grounded in its specific criteria, the framing overlooked the broader arc of Rema’s career trajectory.
Silence from Rema’s Camp
As of the time of reporting, Rema has not issued an official response to the controversy.
However, fan-driven hashtags and online campaigns have trended across platforms, defending his artistic catalogue and international achievements.
Observers say the controversy may ultimately reinforce Rema’s visibility rather than diminish it, as debates over chart classifications often amplify an artist’s brand.
A Broader Conversation About Metrics and Legacy
The debate surrounding Billboard’s “one-hit wonder” label reflects a larger shift in how music success is measured in the digital era.
With streaming platforms providing global access, artists can maintain thriving international careers even without repeated top-five Hot 100 placements.
In Africa and diaspora markets, Rema remains one of the most recognizable Afrobeats figures, regularly performing at major international events and maintaining strong streaming figures.
Whether Billboard revises or clarifies its ranking remains to be seen. For now, the controversy has reignited conversations about how global artists are categorized — and whether traditional Western chart metrics fully capture their impact.
Conclusion
Billboard’s decision to reshare a 2025 article labeling Rema a “one-hit wonder” has sparked widespread online backlash, particularly among Afrobeats fans and industry observers.
While Calm Down remains his most commercially dominant U.S. crossover hit — peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100 — critics argue that Rema’s broader catalogue, streaming dominance, and sustained chart presence challenge the accuracy of the label.
The episode highlights evolving conversations about global music metrics, representation, and the growing influence of African artists on the world stage.
As Afrobeats continues its international ascent, debates like this underscore the complexity of defining success in a rapidly transforming music industry.
