Video: Don Jazzy reveals $4m-$5m push behind ‘Calm Down’s global domination
Don Jazzy
Abdullateef Fowewe
Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy has pulled back the curtain on the massive financial firepower behind Rema’s chart-topping smash “Calm Down,” revealing the team poured between $4 million and $5 million into turning the track into a global phenomenon.
The Afrobeats anthem, first released in 2022 on Rema’s debut album Rave & Roses, quickly dominated Nigeria’s airwaves.
Its explosive 2023 remix featuring Selena Gomez skyrocketed it to No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, racking up over one billion streams in the US alone—plus billions more worldwide.
Speaking candidly on a recent podcast, Don Jazzy broke down the investment: a comprehensive push covering international marketing, strategic radio placements, relentless promotion, and a sustained campaign that evolved the song from local banger to international juggernaut.
“The money went into everything needed to make it happen globally,” he said, emphasising the long-game strategy.
The payoff has been monumental. Rema’s touring circuit, especially high-grossing US shows, continues to reap rewards, while the hit’s enduring success solidifies his status as an Afrobeats trailblazer with lasting career momentum.
