Calm Down – Rema, Selena Gomez

“Calm Down” by Nigerian artist Rema, featuring American pop star Selena Gomez, is a song that encapsulates the fusion of Afrobeat rhythms and international pop appeal. Released in 2022, this collaboration quickly gained global recognition, thanks to its catchy melody, vibrant production, and the undeniable chemistry between Rema and Gomez. The song’s success was further propelled by its colorful and well-crafted music video, which visually reflects the lively and celebratory mood of the track.

Background and Collaboration
The original version of “Calm Down” was first released in early 2022 as part of Rema’s debut album Rave & Roses. Rema, known for his smooth vocals and infectious beats, quickly rose to fame as one of the leading voices in the Nigerian music scene, with his distinct blend of Afrobeat, trap, and pop sounds. The original song became a hit across Africa, solidifying Rema’s position as a rising star on the global stage.

The remix, featuring Selena Gomez, took the song to even greater heights. Gomez, a multi-platinum artist with a massive global following, brought her unique vocal style to the track, enhancing its international appeal. Gomez’s involvement in the remix speaks to the growing trend of cross-genre, cross-cultural collaborations in the music industry, where artists from different musical backgrounds come together to create something fresh and exciting.

Musical Composition and Themes
“Calm Down” blends the rhythmic beats of Afrobeat with pop sensibilities, creating a track that feels both modern and rooted in African musical traditions. The song features an upbeat tempo, driven by a pulsating bassline and syncopated drum patterns that are characteristic of the Afrobeat genre. Rema’s smooth, laid-back delivery complements the energetic beat, while Gomez’s softer, more sultry voice provides a contrast that adds depth to the track.

Lyrically, “Calm Down” is a love song, with Rema singing about the thrill of attraction and the excitement of new romance. In the song, he describes a night out at a party where he spots someone who immediately catches his eye. The lyrics capture the butterflies, nervousness, and charm that come with approaching someone you’re infatuated with. Gomez’s verse echoes Rema’s sentiments, adding a delicate and playful tone to the narrative.

The chorus, with its simple and repetitive refrain of “calm down,” adds to the song’s infectious nature. It’s a request for the subject of Rema’s affection to relax, take things slow, and let the connection develop naturally. This theme of easing into a relationship, rather than rushing into things, is relatable and universal, making the song appealing to a wide audience.

Selena Gomez’s Influence on the Remix
Selena Gomez’s feature on the remix added a new layer of appeal to “Calm Down.” Her contribution is subtle yet impactful, with her soft and seductive vocals blending seamlessly with Rema’s. Gomez, known for her versatility, brings a sense of intimacy to the track that complements Rema’s playful energy.

Her verse is short but effective, with lines like “I see this fine girl, for my party she wear yellow” reinforcing the flirtatious, feel-good vibe of the song. Gomez’s global star power also introduced the song to a broader audience, particularly in Western markets, where Afrobeat music has been gaining traction in recent years.

The Music Video: A Visual Celebration
The official music video for “Calm Down” perfectly captures the essence of the song. Directed by Director K, the video is set in a colorful, tropical environment that feels both intimate and celebratory. From the opening scenes of a vibrant house party to the beautifully lit outdoor settings, the video brings the song’s themes of romance, excitement, and relaxation to life.

The chemistry between Rema and Gomez is undeniable in the video, as they share playful glances and subtle dance moves. Their interactions feel natural and warm, enhancing the romantic undertones of the song. The vibrant colors, stylish outfits, and smooth choreography all contribute to the overall joyful atmosphere of the video.

Visually, the music video for “Calm Down” celebrates both African and Western influences, merging fashion, culture, and music. The video’s bright, summery aesthetic is a perfect match for the upbeat nature of the song, creating a visual experience that feels as fun and carefree as the track itself.

Global Impact and Reception
“Calm Down” quickly became a global sensation following its release. The remix with Selena Gomez helped push the song onto international charts, with the track receiving significant airplay in the United States, Europe, and Latin America. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Global 200 and has garnered millions of streams across platforms like Spotify and YouTube.

The song’s success is a testament to the growing influence of Afrobeat on the global music scene. Artists like Rema are leading the charge in bringing African music to international audiences, while collaborations with artists like Selena Gomez help to bridge the gap between different musical cultures.

Critics praised the song for its infectious rhythm, catchy melody, and the chemistry between Rema and Gomez. Many noted how the song effectively blends Afrobeat with pop, creating a sound that feels fresh and contemporary. The remix was also lauded for introducing Gomez’s fans to Rema’s unique style, further broadening his fan base.

Legacy and Significance
“Calm Down” is more than just a catchy summer hit – it represents a cultural fusion that is becoming increasingly common in today’s music industry. The song highlights the power of collaboration across different genres and cultures, bringing together artists from different parts of the world to create something truly unique.

For Rema, “Calm Down” solidified his position as one of the most exciting young artists in the Afrobeat genre, while for Selena Gomez, it marked another successful foray into the world of global music. The song’s global success is a reflection of the growing demand for diverse musical influences, as listeners around the world seek out new sounds and experiences.

In conclusion, “Calm Down” is a vibrant, feel-good anthem that celebrates the excitement of love and the beauty of cross-cultural collaboration. With its infectious rhythm, charming lyrics, and stunning visuals, the song continues to captivate audiences worldwide, making it a standout hit in both Rema’s and Selena Gomez’s catalogs.

Another banger
Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown
For lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, Fanta
If I tell you say I love you no dey form yanga, oh, yanga
No, tell me no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
You got me like whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, hmm
I see this fine girl for my party, she wear yellow
Every other girl they dey do too much, but this girl mellow
Naim I dey find situation I go use take tell am hello
Finally I find way to talk to the girl but she no wan follow
Who you come dey form for? (Mm-hm)
Why you no wan comform? (Mm-hm)
Then I start to feel her bum-bum (mm-hm)
But she dey gimme small-small
I know say she sabi pass that one (mm-hm)
But she feeling insecure
‘Cause her friends go dey gum her like chewing gum
Go dey gum her like chewing gum
Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown
For lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, Fanta
If I tell you say I love you no dey form yanga, oh, yanga
No, tell me no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
You got me like whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, hmm
As I reach my house, I say make I rest small (make I rest small)
As me I wake up na she dey my mind (na she dey my mind)
Day one, day two, I no fit focus (I no fit focus)
Na so me I call am, say make we link up (say make we link up)
As I start to dey tell her how I feel, na my heart dey race
Baby girl, if you leave me I no go love again
Because e get many girls wey put my heart for pain
Shebi you feel my pain?
Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown
For lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, Fanta
If I tell you say I love you no dey form yanga, oh, yanga
No, tell me no, no, no, no, whoa-whoa, whoa-whoa
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo, whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
You got me like whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa-whoa, hmm