Rema And Selena Gomez Make History, Winning Best Afrobeats Award at 2023 MTV VMAs
In a historic moment at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards, Rema, the Nigerian music sensation, and American pop superstar Selena Gomez claimed the inaugural Best Afrobeats award for their chart-topping hit, “Calm Down.”
This win not only solidified their global influence but also highlighted the genre’s rising prominence on the world stage.
Their groundbreaking achievement extends to Rema’s record-breaking feat as the first African artist to amass over a billion streams on Spotify with “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez. This collaboration not only propelled Afrobeats to a global audience but also showcased the genre’s universal appeal, transcending borders and cultures.
In a gracious acceptance speech, Rema extended his gratitude to his devoted fans, dedicated team, and the incomparable Selena Gomez. He also paid homage to the pioneers of Afrobeats, acknowledging their role in shaping the genre’s global recognition. Rema commended the new generation of artists for their relentless efforts in pushing Afrobeats to new heights.
Originally released on February 11, 2022, “Calm Down” served as the second single from Rema’s debut studio album, “Rave & Roses.” However, it was the remix featuring Selena Gomez, released on August 25, 2022, that propelled the track to global acclaim. The remix’s monumental success resulted in Rema achieving his first career Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit, marking a significant milestone in his already illustrious career
