In an era where African music is breaking global boundaries, Nigerian superstar Rema has achieved yet another landmark moment for the continent. The 24-year-old Afrobeats sensation has made history as his debut album’s deluxe edition, ‘Rave & Roses Ultra,’ becomes the first African album to surpass 3 billion streams on YouTube Music.
The feat, verified on Wednesday, marks a watershed moment not only for Rema but for the entire African music scene, highlighting the growing global demand for Afrobeats and its dynamic fusion of rhythm, melody, and storytelling.
Rema’s Record-Breaking Journey
Born Divine Ikubor, Rema stormed the music industry in 2019 with his breakout hit “Dumebi” and quickly rose to international prominence. But it was the release of his debut album, ‘Rave & Roses,’ in 2022 and the later ‘Ultra’ version in 2023 that solidified his status as a global force.
Leading the charge in his streaming success is the global hit “Calm Down,” especially its remix featuring American pop icon Selena Gomez. The track became a viral anthem, reaching audiences far beyond Africa and topping multiple international charts, including Billboard and Spotify Global 50.
“Calm Down” is now one of the most-streamed Afrobeats songs in history, significantly contributing to the album’s dominance across streaming platforms.
More Than Just YouTube
‘Rave & Roses Ultra’ isn’t just a YouTube sensation. The album is also the most streamed African album on Spotify, racking up over 3.9 billion streams and becoming the first African album to join Spotify’s 2 Billion Club, a space reserved for only the most streamed music projects globally.
The accomplishment is particularly remarkable given that Rema is still in the early stages of his career. It underscores the rapid evolution of Afrobeats from regional appeal to international stardom.
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Redefining African Music’s Global Image
Rema’s latest milestone is a testament to Afrobeats’ ever-growing impact on the global music landscape. It also reinforces the new wave of young Nigerian artists alongside peers like Burna Boy, Tems, Wizkid, and Asake, who are reshaping how African music is perceived and consumed worldwide.
Beyond catchy rhythms, artists like Rema are now commanding stadium tours, signing international deals, and becoming brand ambassadors for global corporations, bridging the gap between Africa and the world.
As Rema continues to elevate his brand, his achievements open doors for many up-and-coming artists from the continent, inspiring a generation that dares to dream bigger.
Rema’s success story is no longer just about numbers; it’s a blueprint of possibility, showing that African voices can dominate global conversations through the power of music.
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FAQs
Q1: What is ‘Rave & Roses Ultra’?
‘Rave & Roses Ultra’ is the deluxe version of Rema’s debut studio album ‘Rave & Roses’. It includes additional tracks and remixes, notably the global smash hit “Calm Down (Remix)” with Selena Gomez.
Q2: Why is the album significant?
The album has become a global phenomenon, crossing 3 billion streams on YouTube Music, making it the first African album to achieve such a feat. It also holds Spotify records for the most streams by an African project.
Q3: What helped the album achieve this success?
The viral success of “Calm Down”, particularly the Selena Gomez remix, significantly boosted global streams. The track resonated across cultures and gained massive playlist placements on streaming platforms.
Q4: Is Rema the first Nigerian artist to achieve this?
Yes, ‘Rave & Roses Ultra’ is the first Nigerian and African album to cross 3 billion streams on YouTube Music. It’s also the only Nigerian album to exceed 2 billion streams on Spotify.
Q5: What’s next for Rema?
With this milestone, Rema continues to cement his place as a global icon of Afrobeats. Fans eagerly anticipate new projects, collaborations, and possibly a third studio album in the near future.