Rema named among TIME’s 100 most influential emerging leaders

Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has been named to the TIME100 Next 2025 list,  a prestigious recognition celebrating emerging leaders who are shaping the future of global culture.

Published by TIME magazine, the annual list highlights 100 rising stars across various industries, from music and politics to science and technology. Rema’s inclusion places him alongside influential figures like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, Tate McRae, Jonathan Bailey, and April Koh, who each feature on international covers of this year’s issue.

TIME CEO Jessica Sibley said this year’s honorees are “redefining what progress, influence, and impact mean in today’s world.”

Rema, whose breakout hit “Calm Down” became a global sensation, has achieved remarkable success since his debut. The track has garnered over 2 billion streams worldwide, earned Grammy recognition, and taken him to sold-out stadiums around the globe — solidifying his place as one of Africa’s biggest music exports.

Legendary Beninese singer and Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo penned a tribute for Rema in TIME, praising “Calm Down” as “rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic.” She revealed that the song inspired her to include it in her African Symphony project, alongside works by African icons like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour.

With this latest honor, Rema continues to push Afrobeats to the forefront of global music, proving that his influence extends far beyond charts, he’s helping define the sound and spirit of a generation.