American entertainment magazine Billboard has come under criticism online after resharing a June 2025 article that classified Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”
The post, shared on Billboard’s official X account over the weekend, referenced a ranking titled “The 25 Biggest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century,” in which Rema was placed at No. 6. The classification was based on the U.S. chart performance of his 2022 global smash Calm Down, particularly its remix featuring American pop star Selena Gomez.
In the article, Billboard noted that while the original version of Calm Down gained momentum on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, the remix with Gomez propelled the track into mainstream U.S. success, peaking at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The publication added that Rema has not returned to the Hot 100 since, although he has recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of the June 7, 2025 update.
“After releasing the original ‘lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-wo-wo-wo-wo’ version of Calm Down in 2023, Nigeria’s Rema noticed it breaking on the Billboard U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart. He took a swing and recruited Gomez for the female vocal and, shockingly, she agreed,” the article stated.
Billboard further clarified that its list was strictly based on Hot 100 appearances, explaining that it includes artists who logged exactly one Hot 100 hit as a lead act between January 1, 2000, and December 28, 2024. Rankings were determined using an inverse point system that accounts for chart position and longevity, with adjustments made for changes in chart methodology over time.
The resurfaced ranking sparked swift reactions across social media, particularly within the Nigerian music community. Critics accused the publication of downplaying Rema’s broader catalogue and global influence, arguing that the “one-hit wonder” label is overly U.S.-centric and fails to reflect his success across Africa, Europe, and other international markets.
Others defended Billboard’s classification, noting that it was narrowly defined by performance on the all-genre Hot 100 rather than global streaming numbers or regional charts.
The controversy is notable given Billboard’s previous recognition of Rema’s achievements, including his record-breaking 52-week run at No. 1 on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart and his wins at the Billboard Music Awards.
As debates around chart metrics and global success continue, the episode has once again highlighted the tension between U.S. chart frameworks and the expanding worldwide reach of Afrobeats.
