Billboard is facing a massive backlash for labeling Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema a “one-hit wonder.” This controversy erupted when Billboard reshared a June 2025 chart feature on its X (formerly Twitter) account on February 16, 2026, which ranked Rema at number six on its list of the “25 Biggest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century.”
Here’s a breakdown of the situation:
– The “One-Hit Wonder” Claim: Billboard’s classification is primarily based on the U.S. chart performance of Rema’s global hit “Calm Down,” especially its remix featuring Selena Gomez. While this collaboration propelled “Calm Down” to peak at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, Billboard noted that Rema has not returned to the Hot 100 chart since.
– The Backlash: Fans, music critics, and industry observers swiftly condemned the label, arguing that it disrespects Rema’s extensive catalog, global influence, and consistent success within the Afrobeats genre.
– Broader Success Ignored: Critics highlight that Rema has consistently released hit songs, sold out arenas worldwide, made numerous festival appearances (like Coachella), and has collaborated with other major artists such as Chris Brown and 6lack.
– Afrobeats Chart Dominance: Many point out that Rema has six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart (as of June 7, 2025), a metric that Billboard itself acknowledges but seemingly undervalues in its “one-hit wonder” definition.
– U.S.-Centric Metrics: The debate reignites discussions about how U.S.-centric chart metrics often fail to capture the true global reach and impact of non-Western artists, particularly those from genres like Afrobeats that have a massive following outside the American mainstream.
– “Calm Down” Impact: Even “Calm Down” itself achieved significant milestones, including becoming the most-viewed Nigerian music video on YouTube with over 1.3 billion views and being the longest-charting African song on the Billboard Hot 100 in June 2024.
– Rema’s Silence (So far): As of now, Rema or his representatives have not publicly responded to the ranking.
– Underlying Issues: Some commentators have linked the perceived disrespect to broader systemic issues, arguing that it reflects a general disregard for African achievements in various sectors, stemming from inadequate governance in the continent.
In essence, while Billboard’s definition of a “one-hit wonder” might be technically tied to specific U.S. chart criteria, the music community, especially Afrobeats fans, argues it profoundly misrepresents Rema’s established career and global impact.
