MTV VMA: Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ Ft Selena Gomez Grabs Best Afrobeats Song
The remixed version of Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ song which featured Selena Gomez grabbed the best Afrobeats Song at the 2023 MTV VMAs show.
This achievement adds to the growing popularity of the song, which has become a global phenomenon and the favourite of party revelers everywhere across the world. With this accomplishment, Rema has become the first African artiste to grab a VMA plaque.
Rema was there in person to receive his award. He was joined on stage by Selena Gomez. During his acceptance speech, he said “Africa in the house tonight … this means so much seeing Afrobeats grow this big and being on this stage representing Afrobeats“.
Rema during his acceptance speech on stage decided to thank the pioneers of Afrobeats when he said “I am so happy but one thing I will not forget to do tonight is forget to shoutout the people who open the doors for me“.
In the video below, he continued that “big shouts to Fela, who started Afrobeats in the first place, 2 Baba, Don Jazzy, D Banj, De Prince, Runtown, Timaya, 2Face, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Davido“.
The MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) is an esteemed award show that recognizes excellence in the music video medium. Originally created as an alternative to the Grammy Awards’ video category, the annual ceremony has earned the moniker “Super Bowl for youth” due to its ability to attract millions of young viewers each year. By 2001, the VMAs had become a highly coveted award.
The ceremony takes place before the end of summer, typically in late August or mid-September, and is broadcast live on MTV. Since 2014, a “roadblock” simulcast across MTV’s sister networks has been utilized to maximize viewership.
The inaugural VMA ceremony was held in 1984 at New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, and subsequent ceremonies have been held in New York City, Los Angeles, Miami, and Las Vegas. In 2019, the VMAs were held in Newark for the first time, and the 2023 show will also return to Newark.
