Billboard's Controversial 'One-Hit Wonder' Label on Rema Ignites Cultural Debate
On February 15, 2026, American music publication Billboard reshared an article on its social media platform X titled "The 25 Greatest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century," originally published in June 2025 with corrections. The list, based on artists who achieved viral success on the Billboard Hot 100 chart but struggled to replicate it, included Nigerian superstar Rema for his global hit 'Calm Down.' This inclusion has sparked significant backlash from Nigerian observers and music fans, who argue that using an American chart as the sole metric to judge foreign artists is both condescending and culturally insensitive.
The Basis of Billboard's List and Rema's Inclusion
The Billboard article focused on musicians who soared on the Hot 100 chart with viral hits but have since failed to match that success. Among those listed were Caribbean stars Kelvyn Lyttle and OMI, known for songs like 'Turn Me On' and 'Cheerleader,' and British singer Passenger for 'Let Her Go.' Several American artists were also included for their one-off chart peaks. Rema was dubbed a "one-hit wonder" because, despite 'Calm Down' peaking at No. 3 on the Hot 100 and becoming the highest and longest-charting Afrobeats song in the chart's history, he has not scored another hit on that chart in the two years since.
Nigerian Backlash: Questioning the Validity of American Charts
The criticism from Nigerian observers is not merely about Rema being tagged based on his performance on an American chart; it's also about the condescending tone of the article. Many argue that the Billboard Hot 100 is an American-centric chart, relying on commercial impact in the U.S., which often requires a viral global moment or strategic radio play for African artists to break through. For instance, 'Calm Down' achieved historic success in 2023, but replicating such a feat is rare due to the chart's inherent biases.
As highlighted in social media reactions, such as a tweet from Ayomide Tayo, there is a perception of disrespect, with critics stating that "colonisers think a song is only successful when it's on their charts." This sentiment underscores a broader frustration with Western media's portrayal of African artists, as seen in other instances like Rolling Stone's use of AI for a cover story on Asake and Wizkid.
The Harmful Narrative and Cultural Implications
The Billboard write-up not only labeled Rema a "one-hit wonder" but also ridiculed the original version of 'Calm Down' and downplayed his status as a global superstar. This narrative is seen as harmful to both Rema and the Afrobeats movement, as it dismisses his achievements outside the U.S. market. Critics point out that American artists are not judged by similar metrics in other industries, making the tag unfair when applied to foreign stars.
One key argument is that Nigerian artists on the Hot 100 are "tourists"—their appearances are exceptional moments, not the norm. Thus, failing to replicate 'Calm Down's success does not make Rema a "one-hit wonder"; rather, it reflects the challenges of breaking into the American market. Billboard should, according to many Nigerians, reserve such labels for American artists whose primary audience determines chart entries.
Rema's Ongoing Success and Future Prospects
Despite the controversy, Rema's career continues to thrive. Barely eight months after being tagged a "one-hit wonder," he returned to the Hot 100 with his contribution to Don Toliver's 'Secondhand,' which debuted at No. 29. This demonstrates that his influence extends beyond a single chart, and he is likely to visit the Hot 100 again. In the meantime, Rema remains a pivotal figure in Afrobeats, crafting hit songs for a global fan base and challenging narrow definitions of success based on American standards.
