Rema’s “Baby (Is It a Crime)” Dominates Global Afrobeats Scene

Nigerian Afrobeats star Rema has solidified his global influence with his February 7, 2025, single “Baby (Is It a Crime),” which has surpassed 100 million streams worldwide. Sampling Sade’s 1985 classic “Is It a Crime,” the track blends nostalgia with modern Afrobeats, earning both praise and criticism while topping charts.

Song Overview and Inspiration

“Baby (Is It a Crime)” features Rema’s signature cool delivery over a pulsating Afrobeat rhythm, incorporating Sade’s smooth jazz vocals. The song explores love and desire, resonating with a broad audience. Produced by P. Priime, the track’s warm production and rhythmic melodies have made it a standout in Rema’s discography.

Chart Performance and Streaming

The single has achieved remarkable success, holding the top spot as the most streamed Afrobeats song of 2025 globally, as reported by @chartdata on X. It ranks seventh in Spotify Nigeria’s biggest streaming peaks with 883,000 streams. @thedebuthub noted its 100 million worldwide streams, highlighting its massive appeal.

Critical Reception

Reviews are mixed. Uproxx’s Aaron Williams lauded the track’s nostalgic yet fresh sound, while The Musical Hype called it “infectious” and “sensual.” However, some Album of the Year users criticized it as “uninspired,” reflecting diverse opinions. Despite this, its commercial success underscores its widespread appeal.

Music Video Impact

Directed by Salomé Gomis-Trezise, the music video features Rema alongside Sidney Gueye, Sidney Santiago, and Halimotu Shokunbi, enhancing the song’s narrative with vibrant visuals. Its millions of YouTube views have boosted the single’s global reach, engaging fans across platforms.

Rema’s Role in Afrobeats

Rema’s innovative approach continues to elevate Afrobeats, blending African rhythms with global influences. His previous works, like “HEIS” and “Rave & Roses Ultra,” have set benchmarks, and “Baby (Is It a Crime)” reinforces his leadership in the genre, inspiring new artists.

Conclusion

“Baby (Is It a Crime)” showcases Rema’s ability to bridge musical eras, cementing his status as an Afrobeats pioneer. Despite varied reviews, its streaming dominance and cultural impact highlight Nigeria’s vibrant music scene, with Rema leading the charge on the global stage.