Nigerian artist Rema, real name Divine Ikubor, has achieved a remarkable milestone. His chart-topping hit “Calm Down” has been certified 3x Platinum in the UK, cementing his status as a major figure in the international music scene.
“Calm down!,” was originally released in February 2022 as part of Rema’s debut album “Rave & Rose”, which not only dominated the charts across Europe but also struck a chord with British audiences. The track, which was later remixed with pop icon Selena Gomez, was a slow-burn success story that showed the growing acceptance of Afrobeats music.
3x Platinum certification by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) means “Calm down!” has surpassed 1,800,000 equivalent sales and streams in the UK alone. The achievement underlines the song’s immense appeal, as it spent an impressive 52 weeks on the Official Charts Company (OCC) chart and dominated airplay across the country.
Rema’s collaboration with Selena Gomez resulted in “Calm down!” reached even greater heights, earning the title of the second best-selling single globally in 2023, according to IFPI, with 1.89 billion equivalent subscription streams worldwide. The remix not only topped the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart, but also made history as the first song to top both the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs and Pop Airplay charts at the same time.
The success of “Calm down!” was not only a personal triumph for Rema but also a landmark moment for Afrobeats, demonstrating the genre’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Industry insiders have highlighted the song’s role in pushing Afrobeats forward, with its fusion of traditional elements with a contemporary musical style that Rema has called “Africa“ .
Vanessa Bosåen, President at Virgin Music UKcomment, “RemaThe achievement of ‘Calm Down’ is a beacon for Afrobeats, proving its global appeal. The certification is not only a milestone for him but also a global acceptance of the genre.“ .
Guillermo Ramos, General Director at Virgin Music UKadded, “Rema Not only did he bring Afrobeats to the forefront, but he also expanded its sound with his unique ‘Afrorave’. This 3x Platinum certification is a testament to his groundbreaking influence in music.“ .
