Rema Is Not a “One-Hit Wonder”

Some people recently called Rema a “one-hit wonder” because he has not had another song in the U.S. as big as Calm Down. But many Nigerians believe that label is unfair.

Billboard shared a list of artists who had one very big hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but did not reach that same level again. Rema was included on that list because Calm Down was a huge success in the United States, reaching No. 3 and becoming one of the biggest Afrobeats songs ever on the chart.

However, many people feel it is wrong to judge Rema’s entire career based only on an American music chart. The Billboard Hot 100 mainly measures how well songs perform in the United States. For African artists, getting on that chart is not easy. It usually takes a rare viral moment or strong promotion in America.

Calm Down was not just a small hit — it was a global success. It became one of the most popular African songs in recent years. Just because Rema has not had another song reach that same level in the U.S. does not mean he is a “one-hit wonder.”

Many critics were also upset about the tone of the article. They felt it sounded disrespectful and ignored Rema’s global success. Rema is a major star in Africa and has fans all over the world. His success is bigger than just one country.

It is important to remember that the Billboard Hot 100 is an American chart. Nigerian artists who appear on it are entering a foreign market. Even getting one big hit there is a major achievement.

Also, not long after being called a “one-hit wonder,” Rema appeared on the Billboard Hot 100 again through his feature on Don Toliver’s song Secondhand, which debuted at No. 29.

 Rema is far from a one-hit wonder. He is a global star with many successful songs. One extremely big hit does not define his entire career.