Since its release in February 2022, ‘Calm Down’ has achieved remarkable global success, elevating it to the status of Afrobeats’ most prominent international export.
On August 23, 2023, Spotify unveiled its Song of Summer compilation for both US and global audiences, with Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ securing a spot on the worldwide list.
Ranked at No. 20 on the global song of the summer list, Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez finds itself in the company of tracks like ‘Ella Baila Sola’ by Latino artists Eslabon Armado and Peso Pluma, which topped the list.
The international compilation also features songs from prominent figures like British pop star Harry Styles, American icon Miley Cyrus, Latino sensation Bad Bunny, and British Hip Hop stars Dave & Central Cee.
Notably, ‘Calm Down’ stands out as the sole contribution from an African artist on the list, and Rema holds the distinction of being the sole African artist included.
The presence of ‘Calm Down’ on the list shouldn’t surprise listeners, given its impressive global triumph, which has seen it dominate charts across North Africa, the Middle East, and India. The single has also secured the record for the highest charting song by a Nigerian on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Official Chart.