Rema and Selena Gomez have made history at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards (VMAs) by winning the afrobeats award for their song ‘Calm Down’.
As previously reported, the Afrobeats category was introduced for the first time in the history of the awards.
They emerged victorious over fellow nominees Asake, Ayra Starr, Burna Boy, Davido, Fireboy DML, Wizkid, and Cameroonian singer Libianca.
American actress and comedian Tiffany Haddish announced the award and described their win as “huge”.
Rema and Selena Gomez, seated next to each other, jointly accepted the award on stage, with Taylor Swift cheering them on.
In his acceptance speech, Rema expressed gratitude to God, his fans, and his team.
“A big shoutout to Selena, I want to say I love you from the bottom of my heart. This means so much, to see Afrobeats grow this big and to represent Afrobeats tonight on this stage. I am so happy.”
Rema also expressed appreciation to Fela, who is regarded as the pioneer of Afrobeats, as well as 2Baba, DonJazzy, D’banj, D’Prince, Runtown, Wizkid, Timaya, Burna Boy, and Davido.
Selena Gomez thanked Rema for choosing her to be a part of “an incredible song that’s able to break records”.