The Afrobeats sensation is celebrated as the sole African artist on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, with a glowing tribute from a musical legend.
Nigerian superstar Rema, born Divine Ikubor, has earned a prestigious spot on TIME magazine’s 2025 TIME100 Next list, solidifying his status as a global force in music. The list, released this Tuesday, shines a spotlight on the planet’s most promising and influential rising stars across fields like entertainment, science, sports, and politics.
This year, the young Afrobeats pioneer stands out as the only African musician to receive the honor. Adding to the significance, his profile for the list was penned by none other than the legendary and multiple Grammy Award-winning artist, Angélique Kidjo.
In her heartfelt tribute, Kidjo celebrated Rema’s staggering achievements, specifically highlighting how his global smash hit, “Calm Down,” has skyrocketed into the “billion-streams club twice over.”
“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much,” Kidjo noted. She went on to praise him as the very “embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats,” adding that, “Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
Rema finds himself in the company of other rapidly ascending music powerhouses, including Teyana Taylor and GloRilla, all of whom were selected for their profound impact as the next generation of leaders and entertainers.
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