In a historic event held at the renowned O2 arena, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema was honoured by Spotify for the remarkable achievement of his hit track ‘Calm Down,’ featuring Selena Gomez, reaching an astounding 1 billion streams on the music streaming platform.
The O2 arena, with its massive 20,000-person capacity, served as the grand venue for acknowledging Rema’s outstanding musical feat.
Headlining the concert himself, Rema’s performance was not only a showcase of his exceptional talent but also a testament to the profound impact his work has had on the music industry globally, transcending boundaries.
The global anthem ‘Calm Down’ by Rema has resonated with audiences across diverse cultures and regions, blending infectious beats, soulful lyrics, and Rema’s distinctive voice.
Achieving the milestone of 1 billion streams on Spotify underscores the track’s universal popularity and enduring appeal.
During the event, Spotify representatives presented Rema with a commemorative plaque, recognizing him as the first African artist to receive Spotify’s Billion Club Plaque.
This served as both a token of appreciation for his contribution to the global music landscape and acknowledgment of his exceptional accomplishment.
Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, commented on Rema’s achievement, stating, “Rema’s remarkable achievement of reaching one billion streams on Spotify is a testament to the growth of African music and the continued expansion of Afrobeats globally. Receiving his Spotify one billion plaque at his first headlined O2 Arena Show marks a significant moment in history.”
Okumu added, “We are thrilled to witness this first-of-its-kind moment for an African artist-led track on Spotify, and we eagerly anticipate many more African artists reaching this milestone.”
Visibly moved by the honor, Rema expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters worldwide and extended appreciation to Spotify for providing a platform that allows artists to connect with a vast audience.
The O2 concert drew industry insiders, fellow musicians, and fans eager to witness this historic moment.
Social media platforms erupted with excitement as fans congratulated Rema on this remarkable achievement, celebrating the global impact of African music.
