Billboard Faces Backlash for Branding Rema a “One-Hit Wonder”

By 𝔸bdulrazak Tomiwa

Billboard magazine has sparked global outrage after branding Afrobeats star Rema, a “one-hit wonder.” The backlash follows a resurfaced June 2025 article that ranked the singer at number six on its list of the “25 Biggest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century” due to his hit “Calm Down.”

The publication argued that while the “Calm Down” remix featuring Selena Gomez achieved massive success, Rema has failed to return to the U.S. Hot 100 since. They noted that his mainstream presence remains tied to that single breakthrough despite his dominance on regional charts.

Fans and music critics quickly condemned the ranking as dismissive and disrespectful. Supporters pointed to Rema’s consistent stream of global hits, sold-out international arenas, and his pivotal role in bringing the Afrobeats genre to the world stage.

Critics argued the “one-hit wonder” tag is misleading given that “Calm Down” is the longest-charting African song in Hot 100 history. Many maintained that such a record-breaking feat proves Rema’s talent as a lead artist rather than a fluke.

The controversy has reignited debates over how Western media evaluates African artists. Fans emphasized that U.S. chart positions alone should not define success for an artist who dominates global streaming platforms and wins major international awards.

Highlighting the public’s frustration, the report noted that, “The magazine which explained that Rema has not been able to make it to the Hot 100 again after featuring Selena Gomez although he has landed six top 10s on U.S. Afrobeats Songs, through the June 7, 2025, chart [drew] criticism from netizens with many tagging the publication disrespectful to Rema’s broader achievements.”