Afrobeats makes history with Rema and Selena Gomez at the VMA’s.
The 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) was a night of musical celebration
where some of the biggest names in the industry gathered to honor outstanding achievements in music videos.
While the event showcased remarkable talent from various genres
one moment stood out and made history – the award for Best Afrobeats Song going to “Calm Down.”
a collaborative masterpiece by Nigerian Afro-fusion sensation Rema and international pop sensation Selena Gomez.
This win marked not only the first-ever victory for an Afrobeat song in the newly introduced category
but also a significant milestone, as “Calm Down” became the first Afrobeat track to amass a staggering billion streams on Spotify.
The Best Afrobeats Song category was fiercely contested
with notable contenders like Asake and Fireboy’s “Bandana,” Davido and Musa Key’s “Unavailable,”
Wizkid and Ayra Starr’s “2 Sugar,”
Libianca’s infectious “People,” and Burna Boy’s “It’s Plenty.”
“CALM DOWN”: A GLOBAL SENSATION
Calm Down” had already taken the music world by storm
long before it received the prestigious VMA award.
Released as a surprise collaboration between Rema and Selena Gomez
the song effortlessly blended Afrobeat rhythms with Selena’s pop sensibilities, creating a unique and infectious track.
Its catchy melody, danceable beat, and heartfelt lyrics struck a chord with listeners worldwide.
BREAKING RECORDS ON SPOTIFY
One of the most remarkable achievements of “Calm Down” was its unprecedented success on Spotify.
The song reached a milestone that no other Afrobeat track had achieved before
accumulating a billion streams on the popular music streaming platform.
This monumental accomplishment not only solidified the song’s status as a global hit
but also showcased the immense popularity and influence of Afrobeat music on a global scale.
REMA’S HEARTFELT ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
When Rema took the stage to accept the award
the excitement in the room was palpable.
With a smile that radiated gratitude and humility
he thanked his fans and everyone who had contributed to the success of “Calm Down.”
He also acknowledged the immense talent of his fellow nominees
and expressed his deep appreciation for the Afrobeats genre, which was gaining prominence on the global stage.
The victory of “Calm Down” at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards
was a historic moment not only for the artists involved but also for the entire Afrobeats genre.
Rema and Selena Gomez’s collaboration not only won over the competition
but also demonstrated the genre’s growing influence on the global music stage.
As the first Afrobeats song to win in the newly established category
and the first to achieve a billion streams on Spotify,
“Calm Down” will forever be remembered as a trailblazing anthem
that brought cultures together through the universal language of music
