Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has secured a highly coveted spot on TIME’s prestigious TIME100 Next list for 2025, recognizing him as one of the most influential emerging leaders shaping the future of global culture.
Redefining Global Impact
The TIME100 Next recognizes 100 rising figures worldwide whose work is redefining leadership, progress, and impact for a new generation. The 2025 issue, which features international covers spotlighting figures like singer-songwriter Tate McRae and actor Jonathan Bailey, celebrates standout names including Rema, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump.
Jessica Sibley, TIME’s CEO, noted that this year’s honorees highlight changemakers who are “redefining what progress, influence, and impact mean in today’s world.”
High Praise from Angélique Kidjo
Rema’s tribute for the list was penned by celebrated Beninese singer and Grammy winner, Angélique Kidjo. Kidjo praised Rema’s global smash hit, Calm Down, recalling how its success inspired her to include the track in her African Symphony project, alongside works from legends such as Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour.
She described Rema’s record as “rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic,” emphasizing that he perfectly embodies the international success and cultural significance of Afrobeats.
Historic Milestones
Since his breakout, Rema has continued to achieve historic milestones. His record-breaking single, Calm Down, has surpassed two billion global streams, earned Grammy recognition, and taken him to stadium stages worldwide, solidifying his status as one of Africa’s brightest stars and cementing Afrobeats at the forefront of global music culture.
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source: African Publicity
