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

Afrobeats sensation Rema has earned global recognition after being named to the 2025 TIME100 Next list, becoming the first African artist to achieve the feat.

The annual list celebrates rising leaders and innovators shaping the future across industries. Rema’s inclusion highlights his influence on the global music stage, particularly following the massive success of his hit single Calm Down, which has surpassed a billion streams twice on different platforms.

His profile for the magazine was written by Grammy Award-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who praised Rema’s groundbreaking achievements and his role in pushing African music to new heights.

The 24-year-old singer continues to stand as one of the leading voices of Afrobeats, carrying the genre’s influence further into the global mainstream.