Afrobeats sensation Rema has etched his name in history as the only African artist featured on the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list, which spotlights the world’s most influential rising stars.
The recognition was accompanied by a glowing tribute from Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who praised Rema’s role in carrying forward the legacy of African greats such as Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour—artists who first brought African sounds to the world stage.
In her profile, Kidjo shared how she was captivated by Rema’s global hit “Calm Down,” describing it as “rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic.” She noted that the song, which has surpassed a billion streams twice over, reflects Rema’s originality and ability to stand out without mimicking Western pop.
Kidjo further highlighted Rema’s rise—his sold-out stadium performances, Grammy-nominated album, and undeniable impact—as proof that he is at the forefront of Afrobeats’ international breakthrough.
With this honor, Rema firmly establishes himself not just as a Nigerian star, but as a leading figure shaping global music culture.