Billboard under fire for calling Rema ‘one-hit wonder’
Billboard’s “One-Hit Wonder” Label Draws Criticism for Singer Rema
United States entertainment magazine Billboard faces criticism on social media for labeling Nigerian singer Rema a “one-hit wonder.”
On February 16, 2026, Billboard shared a post that highlighted a June 2025 article listing Rema as number six on its “25 Biggest One Hit Wonders of the 21st Century.” The ranking was based on his hit song “Calm Down,” featuring American pop star Selena Gomez.
In the post, Billboard noted that Rema had not made it back to the Billboard Hot 100 since the collaboration with Gomez, although he secured six top 10 placements on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.
The resurfacing of this post prompted backlash from fans and supporters who argue that the label undermines Rema’s broader accomplishments. Social media users expressed their dissatisfaction, asserting that Rema has consistently produced popular music and contributed significantly to the global visibility of Afrobeats.
User @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.” Another user, @flourish_empire, commented, “What kind of downplay is that? All Rema songs are hits back to back.” User @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.”
Billboard has not yet responded to the criticism.
