In a landmark moment for African music, Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has been named the only African artist on TIME Magazine’s prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list, a distinction that underscores his meteoric rise and the growing influence of African sound on the global stage.
The 24-year-old artist, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, joins an elite roster of the world’s most influential emerging leaders, innovators, and cultural icons. His inclusion on the list, which spotlights rising stars poised to shape the future, marks a significant milestone not just for his career but for the entire Afrobeats movement.
In a glowing tribute penned exclusively for TIME, five-time Grammy winner and Beninese music icon Angélique Kidjo positioned Rema as the torchbearer of a rich African musical tradition. Kidjo drew a direct line from legendary pioneers like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour—artists who first introduced African rhythms to international audiences—to Rema’s contemporary dominance.
“With the recent global explosion of African music, I needed to include some contemporary sounds,” Kidjo wrote, describing her initial encounter with Rema’s breakout hit “Calm Down.” She praised the track’s distinctive character, noting its authenticity and refusal to conform to Western pop formulas.
“It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic,” Kidjo observed, adding with evident enthusiasm, “I love to sing it.”
Rema’s recognition comes on the heels of an extraordinary string of accomplishments that have redefined what’s possible for African artists in the global music industry. His smash hit “Calm Down,” particularly its remix featuring American pop star Selena Gomez, has achieved the rare distinction of surpassing two billion streams across platforms—a feat that places him in rarefied company alongside music’s biggest names.
The track’s success has opened doors previously closed to African artists, earning Rema performances in sold-out stadiums worldwide and establishing him as a genuine crossover sensation. His most recent album further cemented his critical acclaim, earning a coveted Grammy nomination and proving that his appeal extends far beyond commercial success.
Kidjo’s assessment was unequivocal in its praise: “Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
This recognition arrives at a pivotal moment for African music, which has experienced unprecedented global penetration in recent years. From streaming platforms to international festivals, Afrobeats has evolved from a regional sound to a dominant force in contemporary pop culture—and Rema has been at the vanguard of this transformation.
His ability to maintain African musical authenticity while crafting universally appealing songs has made him a bridge between continents and cultures. Where previous generations of African artists struggled to break through Western-dominated music markets, Rema and his contemporaries have turned the tables, forcing the global industry to meet African music on its own terms.
As Rema continues to shatter ceilings and set new benchmarks, his TIME100 Next recognition serves as both validation of past achievements and a promise of greater things to come. For African music, his success story offers a blueprint and inspiration for the next generation of artists aspiring to take their sound to the world.
In the words of his champion Angélique Kidjo, Rema represents more than individual success—he embodies a cultural moment, one where African creativity, innovation, and artistry command center stage in the global conversation.
As the only African on this year’s TIME100 Next list, Rema carries not just his own ambitions but the hopes and pride of a continent finally receiving its long-overdue recognition in the world’s most influential cultural spaces.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Rema has made history as the only African artist on TIME Magazine’s 2025 TIME100 Next list, solidifying his position as Afrobeats’ global ambassador.
With “Calm Down” surpassing two billion streams, stadium performances worldwide, and a Grammy nomination under his belt, the Nigerian superstar represents a watershed moment for African music.
As Grammy legend Angélique Kidjo notes, Rema isn’t just achieving personal success—he’s placing African music at the forefront of global culture, proving that authentic African sound can dominate the world stage without compromising its roots.
This recognition marks African music‘s arrival as a defining force in contemporary pop culture.
