Rema Makes 2025 TIME100 Next List, Celebrated by Angélique Kidjo
Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has been named among the world’s most influential rising stars on the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list.
The list, published on Tuesday, highlights trailblazers shaping the future across music, film, sports, science, politics, and philanthropy.
Rema stood out as the only African artist honoured this year, with his profile penned by legendary Beninese singer and multiple Grammy winner, Angélique Kidjo.
In her tribute, Kidjo praised the 24-year-old for taking Afrobeats to unprecedented heights:
“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: ‘Calm Down’ has joined the billion-streams club twice over. Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
Other honorees include global powerhouses like Teyana Taylor and GloRilla, marking Rema’s place in an impressive roster of cultural leaders.
Opinion
Rema’s recognition on the TIME100 Next list is not just a personal milestone — it is a win for Africa. At only 24, he represents a new wave of Nigerian talent rewriting the story of global music. The fact that Angélique Kidjo, one of Africa’s greatest voices, wrote his profile makes the honour even more profound — it feels like a symbolic passing of the torch from one generation to the next.
What makes this moment special is that Rema’s success is built on authenticity. “Calm Down” wasn’t manufactured for the West; it was born in Benin City, yet it resonated in Los Angeles, London, and beyond. His achievement shows that Afrobeats has moved from being a “trend” to becoming a pillar of global pop culture.
For young African creatives, Rema’s recognition is a reminder that the world is no longer just watching — it’s listening, streaming, and celebrating. And for Nigeria, it’s another reason to believe that despite our challenges, our music continues to be one of our strongest exports.
As Rema steps into this new chapter, one thing is clear: Afrobeats isn’t just “next.” It is now, and Rema is one of its brightest stars.
