Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, has earned a coveted spot on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, which celebrates the world’s most influential rising stars across industries. The list, published on Tuesday, spans music, film, sports, science, politics, and philanthropy, highlighting individuals shaping the future of global culture.
Rema stands out as the only African artist recognized this year, a testament to his meteoric rise and impact on the international music scene. His profile was penned by Angélique Kidjo, the Grammy-winning Beninese singer and global music icon.
“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: ‘Calm Down’ has joined the billion-streams club twice over,” Kidjo wrote. “Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
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Rema’s inclusion underscores the genre’s growing influence and his role in pushing Afrobeats into mainstream consciousness. His hit single Calm Down, which achieved double billion-stream status, has become a cultural touchstone, earning him accolades and a Grammy nomination.
Other notable honorees on the TIME100 Next list include Teyana Taylor, GloRilla, and a diverse group of emerging leaders and entertainers. TIME’s editorial team described the list as a celebration of individuals “redefining what progress, influence, and impact mean in today’s world.”
Rema’s recognition not only affirms his artistic excellence but also signals a broader shift in global music, where African voices are increasingly leading the conversation.
