Rema becomes first African artist to debut on 2025 TIME100 Next list

Afrobeats star Rema has made history as the only African artist featured on the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list, which celebrates the world’s most influential rising stars.

His inclusion underscores his global impact on the music scene, with his chart-topping hit ‘Calm Down’ surpassing a billion streams twice.

Rema’s profile for the list was penned by Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who hailed his remarkable achievements.

She highlighted how his success continues the legacy of African icons like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour, who brought the continent’s sound to the global stage.

“With the recent global explosion of African music, I needed to include some contemporary sounds. I fell in love with Rema’s “Calm Down.” It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it.

“The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: “Calm Down” has joined the billion-stream club twice over. Rema has performed in stadiums. His latest album earned a Grammy nomination.