​

In what can be described as a monumental achievement for African music, Nigerian music sensation Rema has etched his name into history books as his debut album’s ultra version, Rave & Roses Ultra, becomes the first African album to surpass 3 billion streams on YouTube Music.

This milestone was confirmed midweek following a platform-wide check, placing Rema in a league of his own among African and global contemporaries. The album’s success is largely fueled by the breakout global smash “Calm Down”, especially its remix featuring American pop star Selena Gomez, which catapulted Rema into global stardom.

Born Divine Ikubor in Benin City, Nigeria, Rema began attracting attention in 2019 with his self-titled debut EP under Mavin Records, helmed by Don Jazzy. His unique sound, a fusion of Afrobeats, trap, and alternative music, often described as Afro-Rave, quickly differentiated him in a competitive music landscape. Songs like "Dumebi" and "Iron Man" earned him accolades and built a loyal youth following across Africa.

His ability to effortlessly blend Western and African musical elements made him one of the pioneers of the next wave of Afrobeats. With global appeal, slick visuals, and genre-bending production, Rema became a defining voice of a new generation of African artists.

Released in 2022 and re-released as Rave & Roses Ultra in 2023, the album features fan favorites such as “Soundgasm”, “Dirty”, “Holiday”, and the aforementioned “Calm Down.” With its remix receiving massive radio airplay globally and topping several international charts, including India, the UK, and parts of Europe, Rema solidified his position as a global ambassador for Afrobeats.

The album's cultural impact is not only seen in numbers but in its cross-border collaborations, global tour appearances, and its influence on Gen Z music taste. It became a staple on Spotify, Apple Music, Audiomack, and Boomplay, leading charts week after week.

In addition to his YouTube Music dominance, Rave & Roses Ultra holds the title of the most-streamed African album ever on Spotify, with over 3.9 billion streams. It is the first African album to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify and the only Nigerian album to do so.

This achievement underscores Rema’s influence and the power of African youth music culture in shaping global trends.

At just 24, Rema’s star continues to rise. With endorsements from major international media houses, performances on world stages including the FIFA World Cup and NBA All-Star weekend, and features with top artists, Rema is not only representing Nigerian music but reshaping global perceptions of African artistry.

He remains a symbol of what is possible when talent, strategy, and cultural authenticity align, an icon of Afrobeats’ unstoppable global journey.