The Genesis of a Global Phenomenon
In February 2022, Nigerian artist Rema released Calm Down, a track that would rapidly evolve into an international sensation. This song, from his debut album Rave & Roses, resonated instantly with a global audience, capturing hearts with its unique blend of Afrobeats and lyrical charm. Rema’s musical journey, under the wings of Mavin Records and Jonzing World, reached a new pinnacle with this track, which later morphed into a monumental remix with none other than Selena Gomez.
The Unpredictable Fusion: Rema & Selena Gomez
The idea of a remix featuring Selena Gomez stemmed from a strategic desire to blend two disparate musical worlds, creating something refreshingly unpredictable. The collaboration wasn’t just a meeting of artists, but a fusion of cultures and sounds. With Gomez being a long-time fan of Rema’s music, the collaboration felt like a natural evolution of the track. The involvement of Interscope Records and senior director of A&R Vanessa Angiuli was crucial in bringing this vision to life, with the talented Kiddo A.I. writing Gomez’s verse.
The Lyrics: A Dialogue of Romance and Charm
The Calm Down (Remix) lyrics present a captivating conversation between Rema and Selena Gomez. Rema’s verses exude the excitement and anticipation of new love, while Gomez’s input adds a layer of global appeal, offering a female perspective to the narrative. The lyrics are a blend of romantic pursuit and playful banter, resonating with audiences worldwide.
In an interview, Rema explained the meaning behind the song: “It’s about locking eyes at a party and instantly falling into a deep infatuation. It’s a surface-level attraction, based on looks alone, but it’s a powerful draw that has me begging the woman in question to ease up on whatever is attracting me.”
Gomez also shared her thoughts on the song, saying, “I love the message of the song. It’s about being confident and not letting anyone tell you what to do or how to feel. It’s also about having fun and enjoying the moment.”
The Production: André Vibez & London’s Magic
The remix’s production, led by Andre Vibez and London, encapsulates a perfect balance between Afrobeats’ vibrancy and contemporary pop sensibilities. This production quality played a significant role in the song’s widespread appeal and success. Vibez, who also produced the original version, said how he tweaked the beat for the remix: “I added some new elements to make it more dynamic and catchy. I also changed the tempo and the key to match Selena’s vocals. I wanted to make sure the remix sounded fresh and different but still maintained the essence of the original.”
London, who mixed and mastered the remix, also praised the collaboration, saying: “It was a pleasure working with Rema and Selena. They are both amazing artists, and they brought their own flavour and energy to the song. I think the remix is a great example of how music can transcend boundaries and connect people from different backgrounds and cultures.”
Conquering the Charts and Setting Records
Calm Down (Remix) skyrocketed on various charts, including peaking at number two on the Billboard Hot 100. It notably became Rema’s first top-ten hit in the US and Gomez’s ninth. The song’s longevity and popularity were further evidenced by its record-setting 58-week reign on the U.S. Afrobeats Songs chart, making it the longest-running No. 1 song in the chart’s history. The song also topped the charts in several other countries, such as France, Canada, Australia, and Nigeria.
The Global Impact: Certifications and Accolades
The remix achieved remarkable certifications worldwide, including 3× Platinum in the United States and Diamond in France. These certifications are a testament to the song’s universal appeal and the successful blend of Afrobeats with global pop elements. The song also received numerous accolades, such as winning the MTV Video Music Award for Best Collaboration, the BET Award for Viewer’s Choice: Best International Act, and the Grammy Award for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
Conclusion: A Cultural and Musical Milestone
Calm Down (Remix) by Rema & Selena Gomez is a cultural bridge, bringing together diverse musical traditions and audiences. Its lyrical content, coupled with stellar production, has not only set new standards in the music industry but also demonstrated the power of collaboration in creating global hits. CalmDown (Remix) is a song that will be remembered for years to come as a masterpiece of modern music.
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Rema & Selena Gomez Calm Down (Remix) Lyrics
Intro: Rema & Selena Gomez
Vibez
Oh, no
Another banger
Chorus: Rema
Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put in my heart for lockdown, for lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, ooh, Fanta, ooh
If I tell you say, “I love you”, you no dey form yanga-oh, oh, yanga-oh
No, tell me no, no, no, no, woah, woah, woah, woah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love
You got me like woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love, hmm
Verse 1: Rema & Selena Gomez
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? Woah (Mhmm)
Why you no wan’ conform? Woah (Mhmm)
Then I start to feel her bum-bum, woah (Mhmm)
But she dey gimme small, small, woah
I know say shе sabi pass that one, one (Mhmm)
But she feeling insеcure, woah
‘Cause her friends go dey gum her like chewing gum, woah (Mhmm)
Go dey gum her like chewing gum, oh-woah
Verse 2: Selena Gomez
Yeah, I know I look shy but for you I get down, oh, woah
And my hips make you cry when I’m moving around you (Yeah)
Do it once, do it twice (Do it twice)
I push back, you hold me tight
Get a taste for a night
Chorus: Selena Gomez, Selena Gomez & Rema
Baby, show me you can calm down, calm down
Dance with me and take the lead now, lead now (Lead now)
Got you so high that you can’t come down, come down
Don’t you ask, you know you’re allowed, allowed (Oh, no)
When it’s you, I can’t say no-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Baby, give me lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love
You got me like woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love, mm-hmm
Verse 3: Rema & Selena Gomez
As I reach my house, I say make a rest small, oh-woah (Make a rest small, oh-woah)
As me I wake up na she dey my mind, oh-woah (Na she dey my mind, oh-woah)
Day one, day two-wo, I no fit foc-o-us (I no fit focus)
Na so me I call am, say “Make we link up”, oh-woah (I say make we link up, oh-woah)
Got my hand on your heart, now, I can feel it race
If I leave then you say you can never love again
Wanna give you it all but can’t promise that I’ll stay
And that’s the risk you take (You take)
Chorus: Rema, Rema & Selena Gomez, Selena Gomez
Baby, calm down, calm down
Girl, this your body e put in my heart for lockdown, for lockdown, oh, lockdown
Girl, you sweet like Fanta, ooh, Fanta, ooh
If I tell you say, “I love you”, you no dey form yanga, oh, oh, yanga, oh
No tell me no, no, no, no, woah, woah, woah, woah
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh (Your love, your love)
Baby, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love
You got me like woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah-woah
Shawty, come gimme your lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-lo-love (Oh, woah), hmm
Outro: Selena Gomez
Your love
