American entertainment magazine Billboard has sparked outrage online after describing Nigerian star Rema as a “one-hit wonder.”

On February 16, 2026, the publication reshared a chart feature from June 2025, ranking Rema at number six on its list of the “25 Biggest One-Hit Wonders of the 21st Century.”

The recognition was tied to his global smash hit Calm Down, which featured American pop singer Selena Gomez.

In its explanation, Billboard noted that while Rema has not returned to the Hot 100 chart since the success of Calm Down, he has recorded six top-10 entries on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart as of June 7, 2025.

However, the resurfaced post did not sit well with fans. Many took to social media to criticise the classification, arguing that it downplays the singer’s broader impact, international tours, and consistent string of hits.

One user, @MikeAgrow, wrote that Rema has continued to release chart-worthy songs, sell out arenas, and elevate Afrobeats globally, insisting that one chart metric should not define his career.

Another, @flourish_empire, questioned the fairness of the label, while @gtm_gtel suggested the ranking does not reflect African music realities.

@heisromanrave__"Rema is not a 1 hit wonder"

@BrandyTys19536___"One thing I’m happy about is that this whole thing will make
@heisrema release his Abitoshaka"

@Essential0014__"Rema is like carmelo hayes in wrestling, doesn't send anybody and only see sapa as competition"