Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has etched his name in the history books. His critically acclaimed project, Rave & Roses Ultra, has officially become the first African album to surpass 3 billion streams on YouTube Music.
This feat, confirmed in June 2025, marks a monumental moment not just for Rema, but for the entire African music industry. It symbolizes how far Afrobeats and African pop culture have come in capturing the attention of a global audience.
The Journey of Rave & Roses Ultra
Released on April 28, 2023, Rave & Roses Ultra is an extended version of Rema’s debut album, Rave & Roses, which originally dropped in March 2022. The Ultra edition added six fresh tracks to the 16-track original, giving fans a fuller, more refined experience of Rema’s artistry.
From the jump, Rave & Roses Ultra stood out with its eclectic blend of Afrobeats, Afro-pop, R&B, trap, and alternative sounds. Rema seamlessly fused catchy melodies with deep lyricism, carving out a unique sonic identity that defies genre boundaries.
“Calm Down” – The Global Smash Hit
A major driver behind the album’s streaming dominance is the chart-topping hit “Calm Down”, and more significantly, its remix featuring American pop sensation Selena Gomez. This version of “Calm Down” not only boosted the song’s international appeal but also introduced Rema to a broader audience across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The remix went viral on TikTok, dominated Spotify charts, and garnered heavy rotation on both African and international radio stations. The music video raked in millions of views within days, contributing massively to the 3 billion stream milestone on YouTube Music.
A Global Streaming Powerhouse
Aside from its YouTube Music dominance, Rave & Roses Ultra has also achieved incredible numbers on other platforms. On Spotify, the album has now exceeded 3.9 billion streams, making it the most streamed African album on the platform to date. These streaming records highlight not only the album’s replay value but also Rema’s rapidly growing fanbase across continents.
The Significance of the Milestone
Reaching 3 billion streams on YouTube Music is no small feat. For an African album to achieve this, it signals a massive shift in how the world consumes music from the continent. For decades, African music struggled for recognition on major global platforms. Today, artists like Rema are not just competing — they are dominating.
This accomplishment puts Rema in a class of his own. While many African artists such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, Davido, and Tiwa Savage have made major inroads globally, Rave & Roses Ultra sets a new benchmark for what is possible.
From Benin City to the World
Rema, who hails from Benin City, Edo State, rose to prominence in 2019 after signing with Mavin Records and dropping his self-titled EP, Rema. With his distinctive sound and Gen Z appeal, he quickly captured the hearts of millions of young Nigerians and fans around the world.
His brand is youthful, futuristic, and rebellious — characteristics that shine through in both his music and his fashion. Rema often describes his style as “Afro-rave,” a genre-blending experiment that clearly resonates with a diverse audience.
Breaking Down Borders with Afrobeats
The success of Rave & Roses Ultra proves once again that Afrobeats is no longer just a regional genre — it’s a global force. From Lagos to London, from Accra to Atlanta, African music is being streamed, played, danced to, and celebrated like never before.
With platforms like YouTube Music, Spotify, and Apple Music, African artists no longer need to wait for international gatekeepers. They’re now building global empires with digital tools, viral content, and unmatched talent — and Rema is a prime example.
What’s Next for Rema?
With his debut album already in the record books, the pressure is on Rema to deliver even more. Fans are eagerly anticipating a second studio album, international collaborations, and possibly a world tour. Having performed in sold-out venues across Europe and the U.S., there’s no telling how high Rema can climb from here.
He’s also rumored to be working on new music that could drop before the end of 2025, and given his track record, expectations are sky-high.
Final Thoughts
Rema’s Rave & Roses Ultra hitting 3 billion streams on YouTube Music is more than just a personal win — it’s a victory for Nigerian and African music as a whole. It reminds us that talent, when combined with innovation, strategy, and cultural pride, can reach the farthest corners of the globe.
As fans, students, and lovers of music, we can only celebrate this moment and look forward to what the future holds for one of Africa’s brightest stars.
Congratulations to Rema — Naija to the world!
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