Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ Achieves 3x Platinum Status in the UK

Nigerian artist Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, has achieved a remarkable milestone. His chart-topping hit “Calm Down” has been certified 3x Platinum in the United Kingdom, solidifying his status as a major player in the international music scene.

“Calm Down,” which was initially released in February 2022 as part of Rema‘s debut album “Rave & Roses,” has not only dominated charts across Europe but has also struck a chord with UK audiences. The track, which later featured a remix with pop icon Selena Gomez, has been a slow-burning success story, showcasing the increasing mainstream acceptance of Afrobeats.

The certification of 3x Platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) signifies that “Calm Down” has surpassed sales and streaming equivalents of 1,800,000 units in the UK alone. This feat underlines the song’s massive appeal, which has seen it spend an impressive 52 weeks on the Official Charts Company (OCC) chart and dominate airplay across the nation.

Rema‘s collaboration with Selena Gomez brought “Calm Down” to even greater heights, earning it the title of the second best-selling global single of 2023, according to the IFPI, with a staggering 1.89 billion subscription streams equivalents worldwide. This remix not only topped the Billboard US Afrobeats Songs chart but also marked history by becoming the first song to top both the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs and Pop Airplay charts simultaneously.

The success of “Calm Down” isn’t just a personal victory for Rema but also a monumental moment for Afrobeats, showcasing the genre’s ability to transcend cultural boundaries. Industry insiders have highlighted the song’s role in pushing Afrobeats forward, with its fusion of traditional elements with contemporary music styles labeled by Rema as “Afrorave.”

Vanessa Bosåen, President at Virgin Music UK, remarked, “Rema‘s achievement with ‘Calm Down’ is a beacon for Afrobeats, proving its universal appeal. This certification is not just a milestone for him but for the genre’s global acceptance.”

Guillermo Ramos, General Manager at Virgin Music UK, added, “Rema has not only brought Afrobeats to the forefront but has expanded its sound with his unique ‘Afrorave’. This 3x Platinum certification is a testament to his groundbreaking influence in music.”