Afrobeats star Divine Ikubor, known professionally as Rema, has been honoured by streaming platform Spotify for his achievement in his hit track ‘Calm Down’, featuring Selena Gomez.
The hit track which surpassed one billion streams on the platform makes Rema the first ever African artiste to receive Spotify’s Billion Club Plaque.
Spotify, at the O2 arena, presented Rema the commemorative plaque, for his exceptional accomplishment, which also served as a token of appreciation for his contribution to the global music landscape.
Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ has become a global anthem, resonating with audiences across diverse cultures and regions. The song’s blend of infectious beats, soulful lyrics, and Rema’s distinctive voice has captivated listeners since its release.
The 1 billion streams milestone on Spotify is a clear indication of the track’s widespread popularity and enduring appeal.
While presenting the plaque, Spotify’s Head of Music, Sub-Saharan Africa, Phiona Okumu, said:
“Rema’s remarkable achievement of reaching one billion streams on Spotify is a testament to the growth of African music and the continued growth of Afrobeats globally.
Receiving his Spotify one billion plaque at his first headlined O2 Arena Show marks a significant moment in history,”. “We are thrilled to witness this first of its kind moment for an African artist-led track on Spotify, and we eagerly anticipate many more African artists reaching this milestone.”
Rema, visibly moved by the honour, expressed gratitude to his fans and supporters worldwide and thanked Spotify for providing a platform that allows artists to connect with a vast audience.
|The Guardian
