Billboard faces backlash after labeling Nigerian singer Rema a “one-hit wonder,” prompting fans to defend his global hits and influence
American entertainment magazine Billboard has come under fire online after resharing a June 2025 article that described Nigerian superstar Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”
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The post, shared Sunday on Billboard’s X account, listed 25 artists under the label, placing Rema at No. 6 for his global hit Calm Down, which features U.S. pop star Selena Gomez.
The article noted that while the original version of the song gained traction on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, the remix with Gomez pushed it to mainstream success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.
It claimed Rema had not returned to the Hot 100 since, although he recorded six top-10 entries on the Afrobeats chart as of June 7, 2025.
“After releasing the original ‘lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-wo-wo-wo-wo’ version of Calm Down in 2023, Nigeria’s Rema noticed it breaking on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He recruited Gomez for the remix, and shockingly, she agreed,” the article stated.
The resurfaced ranking drew swift reactions online, with critics accusing Billboard of downplaying Rema’s catalogue and global influence. Some defended the classification, saying it was likely based solely on U.S. chart performance.
Fans voiced their displeasure:
- #Pauline1318957 tweeted: “Rema of all people a one-hit wonder… any disrespect Africans get is because of bad governance.”
- Getme1082445 added: “Calm Down was a global hit before Selena joined… Rema has countless hits the world knows.”
- #AjekpakoDante noted: “They’re judging based on their own understanding. Value what you have—it will be cherished by others.”
- #eyup_io wrote: “Some tunes are party hits, but it’s a shame if that’s all you have. Editorial team clearly lacks African insight.”
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The controversy highlights ongoing debates about how African artists are represented in global media and the growing influence of Afrobeats internationally.
