Billboard Faces Backlash For Calling Rema A ‘One-Hit Wonder’

U.S. entertainment magazine Billboard has faced backlash after resharing a June 2025 article that called Nigerian singer Rema a “one-hit wonder.”

The post, shared on Sunday via Billboard’s X page, highlighted a list of 25 artists labeled as one-hit wonders, placing Rema at number six for his global hit “Calm Down,” which featured American singer Selena Gomez.

The original article noted that while Rema had already started gaining attention in the U.S. with the original version of “Calm Down” on the Afrobeats chart, his mainstream breakthrough came after the remix with Gomez.

The remix reached No. 3 on the Hot 100 chart, but the article pointed out that Rema has not returned to the Hot 100 since then, although he has achieved six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.

The resurfaced post quickly drew criticism online, with many accusing Billboard of underestimating Rema’s talent and disregarding his broader accomplishments.

One social media user wrote: “All i could see is hate on Rama’s greatness nothing more. Calm down was a global hit before Selena asked to jump on it.. Rema has countless hits that the world know bro, because bro calm down is heading to break more records you’re planning to give Selena the accolade”.

Another linked the remark to leadership issues in Africa, arguing that disrespect toward Africans in various fields stems from bad governance rather than lack of talent

“Una dun really see Africans finish, Rema of all people one hit wonder, make una enjoy..any disrespect Africans get from any field of life is all because of the bad leaders we have, whether it’s sports, pharmaceutical, entertainment, oil n gas, aviation..na bad governance cause am,” the user wrote.

See the reactions below:

“Billboard is disrespecting the genre”
Nope they are only disrespecting Rema

— ÌKÀ NATION 🇳🇬 (@Wuwaika90) February 15, 2026

It is an insult to the entire Afrobeat genre. Cause wdym Rema’s songs didn’t make it to billboard hot 100 anymore, so therefore he’s a ‘1 hit wonder’ a whole Rema?
The earlier we stop valuing Afrobeat artists based on American recognitions and streams, the better for everyone. https://t.co/1DC0IWBOhe

— Mark (@Marknit0) February 16, 2026

Greatest Africa musician alive… Rema don't need billboard accolades bro 😊 pic.twitter.com/DbJJux0gew

— Yang (@Getme1082445) February 16, 2026

Lol, all i could see is hate on Rama's greatness nothing more😂🤣..Calm down was a global hit before Selena asked to jump on it..Rema has countless hits that the world know bro, because bro calm down is heading to break more records you're planning to give Selena the accolade..

— Yang (@Getme1082445) February 16, 2026

Una dun really see Africans finish …rema of all people one hit wonder,make una enjoy..any disrespect Africans get from any field of life is all because of the bad leaders we have,whether it's sports,pharmaceutical,entertainment, oil n gas ,aviation..na bad governance cause am

— Pauline (@Pauline1318957) February 15, 2026

– Rema has constantly put Afrobeats on the world stage
-Mavins pays you millions to support their acts
– You post a YEAR old article calling him a "One Hit Wonder" without any fact checking

How can you throw one of our cultures biggest names under the bus for cheap interactions? https://t.co/RGydCZ3cTw pic.twitter.com/vLqfBWp6Pw

— bobby of the big homies. (@bobbyamali) February 15, 2026

The person that curated this article hate rema.

His intentions was to ridicule Rema and it’s so sad….but his useless fans are too disrespectful. https://t.co/b9ccg2zdFL

— ᴹⁱʸᵃᵍⁱ (@Miyhagi) February 16, 2026

KanyiDaily recalls that South African singer, Tyla Laura Seethal expressed her desire to take Rema on a prom date.