Calm Down: Global Afrobeats Hit — Rema & Selena Gomez

Song Name: Calm Down

“Calm Down” is a song by Nigerian artist Rema, released on February 11, 2022, as the second single from his debut studio album, Rave & Roses. The track falls primarily under the Afrobeats genre. A remix featuring American singer Selena Gomez was released on August 25, 2022, further amplifying the song’s global reach.

1st Genre: Afrobeats

2nd Genre: Afro-pop

Beats Per Minute:

The song “Calm Down” by Rema and Selena Gomez has a tempo of 120 beats per minute (BPM).

Sur Scale:

The song is composed in the key of B major.

Estimated Budget:

Specific budget details for the production of “Calm Down” have not been publicly disclosed, we can estimate based on several factors such as production quality, artist reputation, and the scale of the project.

Estimating the budget for “Calm Down” by Rema (including the remix with Selena Gomez) requires considering several factors:

1. Music Video Production Costs:

High-quality music videos with international collaborations typically fall within $100,000 – $500,000 (₹83 lakh – ₹4.15 crore) depending on:

• Location & Set Design: The video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria, featuring vibrant visuals and professional cinematography.
• Director & Crew: Directed by Director K, who has experience with premium-quality videos.
• Post-Production & Editing: The smooth transitions, color grading, and VFX add to the cost.
• Wardrobe & Styling: Given Selena Gomez’s involvement, premium styling and branding were likely included.
• Logistics & Miscellaneous: Travel, accommodations, and crew salaries further contribute to expenses.

Estimated Range: ₹1.5 crore – ₹3.5 crore ($180,000 – $420,000)

2. Marketing & Promotion Costs:

The song was heavily marketed across YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, radio, and social media campaigns, contributing to its global virality. Major factors include:

• Digital Marketing & Ads: Promoted on platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.
• Streaming Promotions & Playlist Placements: Boosted visibility on Spotify, Apple Music, and Billboard charts.
• Influencer & PR Campaigns: Leveraged celebrities and influencers to drive social engagement.
• International Collaborations: Featuring Selena Gomez added massive global reach.

Estimated Range: ₹2 crore – ₹5 crore ($240,000 – $600,000)

Release Date:

Selena Gomez and Rema’s “Calm Down” remix was released on August 25, 2022. The song achieved impressive numbers, becoming a significant milestone in both artists’ careers. By the end of 2023, it had amassed over 1.89 billion subscription stream equivalents globally, according to the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI). This number continued to grow, and it was reported that the song surpassed 1 billion views on YouTube by November 2024, making it the first Afrobeats track to reach this milestone. The song’s success reflected Selena Gomez’s growing influence as a singer, with strong commercial performance in the United States and internationally. Notably, it became Gomez’s ninth top-ten hit in the US, peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100, and her second number-one in Canada, spending nine weeks atop the Canadian Hot 100. Additionally, “Calm Down” topped the Billboard Global Excl. US, Pop Airplay, and Radio Songs charts, marking significant achievements in her musical career.

Reach:

As of July 2024, Rema’s “Calm Down” has achieved remarkable milestones across various platforms:

Spotify: The remix featuring Selena Gomez has surpassed 1.41 billion streams, while the original version has over 590 million streams, totaling more than 2 billion streams combined..

YouTube: The official music video for “More” has accumulated over 60 million views, with the MV showcasing a dynamic and visually striking concept that aligns with J-Hope’s bold solo artistic direction.

Melon 24Hits Chart: The official music video for the remix has accumulated over 905 million views, and the original version has garnered 598 million views, showcasing a dynamic and visually striking concept.

Apple Music: The track has gained significant popularity on Apple Music, frequently appearing in top playlists and charts, reflecting its widespread acclaim among listeners.

Amazon Music: While exact streaming numbers on Amazon Music are not specified, “Calm Down” has earned recognition on the platform, becoming a favorite among listeners.

The Details In MV:

The music video for “Calm Down” by Rema and Selena Gomez is a vibrant visual experience that complements the song’s themes of attraction and infatuation. Here are some key elements from the music video:

Bold Visuals and Dark Aesthetic:

• The video features dynamic and visually striking scenes, utilizing a dark aesthetic to enhance the song’s mood.

Selena’s Transformation:

• Selena Gomez’s appearance in the video showcases her embracing the Afrobeats culture, blending her style seamlessly with Rema’s, which adds depth to the collaboration.

Choreography:

• The video includes synchronized dance sequences that reflect the song’s rhythm and energy, highlighting the chemistry between the artists.

Symbolic Imagery:

• Various symbols are interspersed throughout the video, adding layers of meaning and inviting viewers to delve deeper into the narrative.

Color Palette:

• A rich and contrasting color scheme is employed, with deep hues that create a captivating visual contrast, enhancing the video’s overall appeal.

Urban and Futuristic Elements:

• The setting combines urban landscapes with futuristic designs, reflecting a blend of contemporary and forward-thinking aesthetics.

Narrative and Concept:

The video portrays a storyline of two individuals drawn to each other, capturing the essence of the song’s lyrics about newfound attraction and the excitement it brings.

Song Lyrics

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

Review:

The track opens with a laid-back yet hypnotic beat, setting a mellow and soothing tone. Rema’s signature soft-spoken yet melodic voice instantly pulls the listener in as he repeats the phrase “Baby, calm down, calm down,” establishing the song’s emotional core pleading for love and assurance. The instrumentation, with its groovy Afrobeats rhythm and subtle percussions, creates a warm, feel-good atmosphere, making it an easy listen for both casual fans and deep music lovers.

The Protagonist’s Message & Emotional Expression

At its heart, “Calm Down” tells the story of young infatuation and the struggles of winning someone’s trust. Rema narrates his encounter with a girl at a party, he’s drawn to her calm, composed demeanor in contrast to the other girls seeking attention. His admiration is playful yet sincere as he sings, “Girl, this your body e put my heart for lockdown.” The use of colloquial Nigerian Pidgin English gives the lyrics an authentic, cultural touch while making them globally relatable.

However, below the catchy rhythm, there’s an underlying sense of longing and uncertainty. The protagonist feels captivated yet vulnerable, fearing rejection as he sings, “If I tell you say I love you no dey form yanga,” meaning he wants her to accept his love without hesitation or playing hard to get.

Lyrical Themes & Relatability

The lyrics depict a classic love chase, where emotions fluctuate between hope and insecurity. The protagonist is not only physically attracted but also emotionally invested, as seen in:

• “As I start to dey tell her how I feel, na my heart dey race” – showing nervous excitement when confessing feelings.
• “Baby girl, if you leave me, I no go love again” – revealing emotional scars from past heartbreaks.

Selena Gomez’s verse in the remix adds a complementary perspective, softening the song’s energy with her smooth vocals. She reassures the protagonist, creating a duet that feels like a genuine conversation between two lovers navigating their emotions.

Production & Musicality

The production, handled by Andre Vibez and London, is an excellent balance of Afrobeats groove and pop accessibility. The mid-tempo beat (107 BPM) allows for a relaxed yet danceable rhythm, making it perfect for both club and casual listening. The use of soft percussion, guitar riffs, and layered vocals enhances the song’s catchy yet intimate feel.

Final Verdict

“Calm Down” is an effortlessly addictive track that blends romantic storytelling with Afro-fusion beats, making it a global hit. The song’s ability to be playful, emotional, and rhythmically engaging all at once is what makes it stand out. With Rema’s distinct vocal style and Selena Gomez’s sweet yet sultry addition, the remix only elevates the song’s charm.

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