Rema Tops YouTube Streaming Charts in Q1 2025 — “Calm Down” Still a Global Force
Nigerian music sensation Rema has officially secured his place as the most-streamed Nigerian artist on YouTube in the first quarter of 2025, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s most influential musical exports.
According to data from YouTube, Rema racked up an astonishing 223 million streams between January and March 2025, thanks in large part to the continued success of his global hit, “Calm Down,” which has now surpassed 1 billion total streams. His more recent single, “Baby (Is It A Crime),” also came in strong, placing second among Nigerian songs on the platform with 14 million streams in Q1 alone.
🌍 Nigeria’s Global Sound Wave: Who Else Made the List?
While Rema leads the pack, Burna Boy (171M), Ayra Starr (169M), Davido (113M), and Wizkid (102M) round out the top five, showing just how wide and impactful Afrobeats and Nigerian music as a whole continue to be on the world stage.
Here's a quick look at the top 10 most-streamed Nigerian artists globally on YouTube (Q1 2025):
Rema — 223M
Burna Boy — 171M
Ayra Starr — 169M
Davido — 113M
Wizkid — 102M
Omah Lay — 96.7M
Kizz Daniel — 67.9M
Ruger — 65.7M
CKay — 64.6M
Asake — 63.4M
Gospel stars like Nathaniel Bassey, Mercy Chinwo, and Moses Bliss also earned impressive spots in the top 20, showing the diversity of Nigerian music appeal, from mainstream Afrobeats to inspirational gospel.
💭 Opinion: Rema’s Reign Is No Fluke — It’s a Blueprint
Rema's dominance isn't just about viral hits — it’s about strategy, sound evolution, and a global mindset. “Calm Down” was more than a song; it was a cultural bridge, connecting Afrobeats to pop audiences across continents. And with “Baby (Is It A Crime)” following suit, Rema shows he’s not a one-hit wonder — he’s building an empire.
What’s also exciting is seeing young artists like Ayra Starr and Ruger holding their ground, side by side with veterans like Wizkid and Davido. It reflects a healthy and thriving Nigerian music scene that continues to set trends, not follow them.
