Nigerian musical prodigy, Rema, has etched his name in history by becoming the first African artist to clinch a prestigious music accolade in China.
The groundbreaking achievement unfolded at the 2024 Hito Music Awards in the Republic of China, where Rema’s collaboration with American icon Selena Gomez on the ‘Calm Down’ remix secured the coveted title of Best Collaboration of the Year.
Rema’s triumph sets him apart as one of the select few international musicians to receive the esteemed Taiwanese prize, sharing the spotlight with notable American and British performers.
Notably, the ceremony featured the presence of American pop sensation Taylor Swift, boasting more than six Grammys, as one of the illustrious global artists in attendance.
This landmark victory not only cements Rema’s status as a burgeoning star but also underscores the widespread appeal of African music on the global stage.
The resonance of his music extends beyond borders, further reinforcing the burgeoning influence of African musical talent.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ had already earned the distinction of being crowned the world’s most Shazamed song of 2023.
The track’s fusion of afrobeats and contemporary pop elements struck a harmonious chord with listeners worldwide, catapulting it to viral stardom.
Originally released in 2022, ‘Calm Down’ quickly gained popularity, marking the first African song to claim the top spot on the Global Shazam Year-End chart.
The music identification app, Shazam, reported an unprecedented surge in user searches for ‘Calm Down,’ ultimately propelling it to become the most Shazammed song of the year.
In a head-to-head competition on Apple Music in 2023, the remix of ‘Calm Down’ featuring Selena Gomez emerged as the most globally streamed song, attesting to the widespread admiration for Rema’s unique style and infectious melodies.