Rema Named on 2025 TIME100 Next List as Only African Artist Honoured

Afrobeats sensation Rema has been recognised by TIME magazine as one of the world’s most influential rising stars, securing a coveted spot on the 2025 TIME100 Next list.

The annual list, unveiled on Tuesday, celebrates trailblazers shaping the future across industries including music, film, politics, science, and philanthropy.

Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is the only African artist to be featured this year, underscoring his growing global influence. His profile was penned by Grammy-winning icon Angélique Kidjo, who praised the Nigerian star’s meteoric rise.

“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: ‘Calm Down’ has joined the billion-streams club twice over,” Kidjo wrote, highlighting Rema’s record-breaking hit that continues to dominate worldwide charts.

Since breaking into the music scene in 2019, Rema has redefined Afrobeats with his futuristic sound, fusing African rhythms with global pop appeal. With ‘Calm Down’ now one of the most streamed Afrobeats tracks in history, his recognition on the TIME100 Next list cements his place as a leading figure in shaping the future of African music on the world stage.