Rema Makes History as Only African Artist on TIME100 Next 2025 List

|By Oko-Echem Agnes

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been named to the 2025 TIME100 Next list, cementing his place among the world’s most influential rising stars.

The prestigious list, released on Tuesday, celebrates emerging leaders across industries including music, film, sports, science, politics, and philanthropy.

Rema stands out as the sole African artist honoured this year. His profile was penned by Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who praised him as a driving force behind Afrobeats’ global dominance.

“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.”

Other global entertainers who earned a spot on the list include American stars Teyana Taylor and GloRilla.

Rema’s recognition underscores Afrobeats’ growing influence and Nigeria’s rising impact on the global music scene.