Billboard Faces Backlash for Labeling Rema a “One-Hit Wonder” Over ‘Calm Down’
Nigerian singer Rema has been at the centre of controversy after Billboard described him as a “one-hit wonder” on social media.
In a post shared on X on February 16, 2026, Billboard ranked Rema number six on its “25 Biggest One Hit Wonders of the 21st Century” list, citing his global hit ‘Calm Down’, which featured Selena Gomez. The article noted that Rema had not appeared on the Hot 100 again following the collaboration, though he had landed six top-10 positions on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.
The resurfaced post quickly sparked a wave of criticism online. Fans argued that the magazine’s description undermined Rema’s consistent output and global influence.
@flourish_empire commented: “What kind of downplay is that? All Rema songs are hit back to back.”
@MikeAgrow added: “Rema has been dropping consistent bangers, selling out arenas, and putting Afrobeats on the map worldwide. One song on their chart doesn’t erase all that. Call it what it is.”
@gtm_gtel wrote: “They try to kill his confidence but so bad. Billboard can’t tell Africans how to do their thing. Their rate is of no use.”
Opinion: A Misunderstanding of Impact and Global Reach
Labeling Rema a “one-hit wonder” highlights a common issue with Western chart-centric definitions of success. While ‘Calm Down’ marked a crossover milestone, Rema has consistently delivered hits, growing Afrobeats’ global footprint and performing in sold-out arenas worldwide. A single chart metric should not overshadow an artist’s broader achievements, especially in genres like Afrobeats where streaming and regional charts often tell a more accurate story.
Rema’s inclusion in Billboard’s list may have been intended to highlight his crossover breakthrough, but it fails to capture his sustained impact on the international music scene. This incident is a reminder that global music success cannot always be measured solely by the U.S. Hot 100—it’s about influence, consistency, and cultural resonance.
Rema continues to prove that his career is far more than one song, and fans are right to call out attempts to oversimplify his accomplishments.
