Billboard criticises Rema as a “one-hit wonder,” sparking social media backlash over disregard for the singer’s consistent hits and global success

United States entertainment magazine, Billboard, has faced widespread criticism on social media after describing Nigerian singer Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”

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The controversy arose when Billboard reshared a June 2025 chart article on February 16, 2026, listing Rema at number six on its “25 Biggest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century” for his global hit ‘Calm Down’, featuring American pop star Selena Gomez.

Billboard noted that Rema had not appeared on the Hot 100 again following the collaboration, despite securing six top 10 positions on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.

The post sparked an outcry from fans and music enthusiasts who felt the publication overlooked Rema’s broader achievements. @MikeAgrow wrote:

“Rema has been dropping consistent bangers, selling out arenas, and putting Afrobeats on the map worldwide. One song on their chart doesn’t erase all that. Call it what it is.”

Other users echoed the sentiment. @flourish_empire commented, “What kind of downplay is that? All Rema songs are hit back to back.” Meanwhile, @gtm_gtel added, “They try to kill his confidence but so bad. Billboard can’t tell Africans how to do their thing. Their rate is of no use.”

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The backlash highlights ongoing debates about how international media outlets classify African artists, particularly those driving the global Afrobeats movement.