A few days ago, while doing strength training at my YMCA gym in Cross Island, New York, I had my earbuds and listened to music. This allowed me to block out the noise of people dropping dumbbells. However, a friend approached me on this particular day, and I decided to pause my music. As we chatted, I heard “Baby Calm,” a song by Rema/Selena Gomez, blasting from the nearby dance studio.

Curious about the commotion coming from the studio, I walked closer and discovered a group of grandmothers gracefully dancing to this song. It surprised me that teenagers were not the only ones attending this dance class. The fact that a significant part of the song was sung in Yoruba (a Nigerian dialect) reinforced the belief that music is a universal language. Music transcends age, religion, gender, and hate. Witnessing these moms embrace music from my country filled me with joy as someone who has contributed to Nigeria’s dance music scene.

It is heartwarming to see that Rema – born Divine Ikubor in Benin City – has taken over New York City’s airwaves with his song. The people living in this incredible city have found solace through his music. Radio DJs on KTU, Z100, 105.1 (Hip-Pop), and many other mainstream channels are enamored with “Baby Calm.” It plays almost every 10 minutes or even more frequently than that. Nigerian music has become an essential part of any party playlist in the Big Apple.

Back in 2009, when I ran The Nigerian FM, I frequently played Nigerian music, and listeners often asked where they could purchase it. The works of artists like Burna Boy, P-Square, and Techno stood out at that time. The reason why some of the best Nigerian music hasn’t made it to mainstream radio stations in the US is a story for another day. I will dedicate another piece since this write-up focuses on Rema’s success.

Rema’s collaboration with Selena Gomez on “Calm Down” was wise. Selena Gomez, a globally beloved figure with over 400 million Instagram followers, humbly thanked Rema for featuring her in his hit song on her social media platform.

Had Rema collaborated with other superstars, especially those in the hip-hop genre who have half of Selena Gomez’s following, they would have tried to overshadow his rise to stardom. They would want credit for his success and attempt to outshine him if he received awards. Whoever orchestrated this collaboration that propelled “Calm Down” by Rema is worthy of praise. I also take this opportunity to thank Selena Gomez for being an incredible individual and acknowledging how this collaboration has impacted her life.

I am aware of the rumor circulating about Selena now dating Rema. However, it’s important to note that simply kissing or hugging does not automatically mean they are a couple. If they are in a relationship, it is their personal affair and should be respected.

To be continued…

In my next part, I will delve into the song itself and highlight the lessons established and upcoming artists can learn from it.

Alla-bama is an award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, and media personality based in New York City.

For so many years, millions of her fans scattered worldwide asked if she had stopped playing music. She’s been AWOL from the music scene. Finally, everyone got the answer.

The “Diamonds” singer and fashion mogul, 33, is pregnant, expecting her first baby with rapper A$AP Rocky.

The couple was photographed out in New York City over the weekend, where Rihanna debuted her baby bump while wearing a long pink jacket. Her oversized outerwear was unbuttoned at the bottom to reveal her growing bump adorned in a gold cross with colorful jewels.

In one of the sweet photos, which were snapped in Harlem, where A$AP Rocky grew up, the rapper kisses the soon-to-be mom on her forehead as they enjoy a snowy walk outdoors.

He gave the world some of the greatest music hits; Robert Kelly, better known as R.Kelly, was at one time, the undisputed King of R/B. I watched him at the Brooklyn Federal court dressed in a yellow jumpsuit, dumbfounded as the judge announced that the jury had found him guilty on all Charges.
This literary means, R.Kelly will face decades in prison, and the creative genius may not have the opportunity to give the world and his fans a new song again. I will bring you a detailed write-up on how I feel about this whole R.Kelly case.

Stay tuned.

Emma Agu

BET, in partnership with CBS News, announced a new primetime exclusive special honoring the life and legacy of iconic actress Cicely Tyson. Hosted by CBS This Morning anchor Gayle King, “BET + CBS News Present Cicely Tyson: In Her Own Words” will feature extended excerpts from one of the legendary actress and fashion model’s last interviews, in which she reflects on her trailblazing and illustrious 70-year career across television, film and theater, including being the first Black actress to co-star in a television drama series, East Side/West Side, to her Emmy award-winning performance in The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman (1974), Tony award-winning role in The Trip to Bountiful (2013), receiving an honorary Academy Award (2018) and recent induction into the Television Hall of Fame (2020). Her influence transcends beyond the screen and stage into many other facets of American culture. We join so many in celebration of her life, legacy and immeasurable contributions to the representation of African Americans, specifically Black women in the media. “Cicely Tyson: In Her Own Words” premieres Sunday, January 31 at 7:00 PM ET/PT on BET and 8PM/7C on BET Her.

BET celebrated Tyson’s incredible work at BET Honors 2010 and Black Girls Rock! 2015. Watch her BET Honors 2010 tribute here:

Culled from Bet News