Nigerian music sensation, Rema and American pop superstar Selena Gomez have won the Best Afrobeats Award category for their chart-topping hit, “Calm Down” at the just-ended 2023 MTV Video Music Awards for the first time in the history of the award scheme.
The song pipped Ayra Starr’s “Rush”, Burna Boy’s “It’s Plenty”, Davido feat. Musa Key’s “Unavailable”, Libianca’s “People”, Wizkid feat. Ayra Starr’s “2 Sugar,” and Fireboy DML’s “Bandana” for Best Afrobeats.
“Calm Down” was also nominated in the “Song of the Year” category and the “Best Collaboration” category.
This win follows Rema’s historic feat as the first African artist to reach a billion streams on Spotify with his song “Calm Down,” featuring Selena Gomez.
In his speech, Rema thanked his fans, his team, Selena Gomez, and Nigerian music icons 2Baba, Don Jazzy, D’Banj, D’Prince, Runtown, Timaya, Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Davido for their pioneering work in Afrobeats and also thanked the new generation for their efforts in continuing the trend to take Afrobeats to greater heights.
First released on February 11, 2022, “Calm Down” is the second single from Rema’s debut studio album, “Rave & Roses.”
The remix with Selena Gomez was released on August 25, 2022, and since then, it has been a global hit. Rema posted a celebratory message on his social media after he earned his first career Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit with the remix of the global record “Calm Down.”
See his speech below and the highlights of his appearance below:
Rema and Selena Gomez accept the #VMA for Best Afrobeats pic.twitter.com/GD5SRFVH6E
— The Hollywood Reporter (@THR) September 13, 2023
Taylor Swift cheering for Selena Gomez and Rema’s #VMAs win! ✨#TaylorSwift #SelenaGomez #Rema #VMAs2023 #VMA pic.twitter.com/uw11FFScdv
— Odyssey Street (@OdysseyStreet) September 13, 2023