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Rema Makes History As The First Artist To Top The MENA Chart, Enters Guinness Book of Records

By Oke Odunmorayo

08 May 2023   |   11:44 am

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Nigerian artist Rema has recently made history by becoming the first artist to top the inaugural Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) chart with his hit single 'Calm Down'. This achievement has earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of Records, solidifying his place as one of the most successful African artists of his…

Rema

Nigerian artist Rema has recently made history by becoming the first artist to top the inaugural Middle Eastern and North Africa (MENA) chart with his hit single ‘Calm Down’.

This achievement has earned him a spot in the Guinness Book of Records, solidifying his place as one of the most successful African artists of his generation.

The MENA chart was launched in 2020 by the music streaming service, Anghami, in partnership with the Guinness World Records, to showcase the best music from the Middle East and North Africa.

The chart ranks the most popular songs based on streaming data from Anghami’s platform, which is one of the largest in the region.

Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ was released in 2018 as part of his debut self-titled EP, which was well-received by fans and critics alike. The song features a catchy Afrobeat rhythm and showcases Rema’s signature blend of singing and rapping.

The track’s success on Anghami’s platform was driven by its popularity in countries such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

Rema’s achievement is particularly noteworthy because he is not from the MENA region. His success on the chart is a testament to the power of music to transcend geographical boundaries and connect with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

It also highlights the increasing global reach of African music, which has been gaining popularity in recent years thanks to artists like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Davido.

Rema’s success on the MENA chart is just the latest in a string of achievements for the young artist. He burst onto the scene in 2019 with his breakout hit ‘Iron Man’, which garnered critical acclaim and earned him a spot on former U.S. President Barack Obama’s summer playlist. He has since released several other hit songs and has collaborated with a range of artists from across the globe.

In addition to his musical accomplishments, Rema has also been recognized for his philanthropic work. In 2020, he launched the “Rema Care Foundation” to provide educational opportunities and healthcare services to underprivileged communities in Nigeria.

Rema’s entry into the Guinness Book of Records is a proud moment not only for him but also for African music as a whole. It serves as a reminder of the power of music to unite people from different parts of the world and highlights the diverse and vibrant music scene in Africa.