Billboard faces backlash for calling Rema one-hit wonder

American entertainment magazine Billboard has faced backlash online after resurfacing a June 2025 article labeling Nigerian star Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”

The post, shared Sunday on Billboard’s X account, included a ranking of 25 artists under that classification, placing Rema at No. 6 for his global hit Calm Down, which features U.S. pop singer Selena Gomez.

Billboard’s article noted that while the original version of Calm Down gained traction on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, the remix with Gomez propelled it to mainstream success, peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100. The magazine added that Rema has not returned to the Hot 100 since, although he recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.

“After releasing the original Calm Down in 2023, Nigeria’s Rema noticed it breaking on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He recruited Gomez for the remix, and shockingly, she agreed. ‘I had my fingers crossed,’ he told Billboard,” the article stated.

“The No. 3-peaking Calm Down was obviously not veteran pop superstar Gomez’s only hit, but Rema has yet to make it to the Hot 100 again, though he has six top-10s on U.S. Afrobeats Songs as of June 7, 2025.”

The resurfaced post drew swift criticism, with fans accusing the publication of undermining Rema’s catalogue and global influence. Some defended the ranking, suggesting it reflected U.S. chart performance rather than overall impact.

On X, user Pauline (#Pauline1318957) wrote, “Una dun really see Africans finish …Rema of all people one-hit wonder. Any disrespect Africans get from any field is because of bad leadership—sports, pharma, entertainment, oil & gas…na bad governance cause am.”

Another user, Yang (@Getme1082445), added, “All I see is hate on Rema’s greatness. Calm Down was a global hit before Selena joined. Rema has countless hits the world knows; this track is still breaking records—yet they’re trying to give Selena the credit.”

Ovie1 from Delta (@AjekpakoDante) said, “They’re giving their verdict based on their understanding, not everyone’s. We shouldn’t measure ourselves by the validation of others. Value what you have, and it will be appreciated.”

Other fans echoed the criticism. Wanderlust (#Erinma_2809) wrote, “Clearly no Nigerians or Africans were on your editorial team. To list Rema as a one-hit wonder is outrageous.” Meanwhile, Yorkshire Lass (#eyup_io) added, “Some of those tunes are great for a laugh at a party, but it’s a shame when a catchy tune is all you’ve got to show. What could have been?”

The debate highlights tensions over international media coverage of African artists, with fans defending Rema’s achievements and global influence.