Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Rema has carved his name into history as the only African artist to be recognized on the 2025 TIME100 Next list, the influential roster spotlighting the world’s most promising rising stars.
In a glowing tribute, Grammy-winning icon Angélique Kidjo penned Rema’s profile for the prestigious list, celebrating him as a true heir to Africa’s musical legacy. She drew parallels between his global impact and the trailblazing journeys of legends like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour, who once carried the continent’s rhythms across the world.
Kidjo confessed her admiration for his breakout hit, Calm Down, noting:
“It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa yet irresistibly universal. I love to sing it.”
Beyond the song’s magnetic success—crossing the billion-stream milestone twice—Rema has thrilled audiences in sold-out stadiums, earned a Grammy nomination for his latest album, and solidified himself as one of Afrobeats’ brightest exports.
Kidjo summed it up best:
“Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
With this milestone, Rema doesn’t just join the ranks of global changemakers, he amplifies Africa’s voice on the world stage, reaffirming that the sound of the future is deeply rooted in the continent’s heartbeat.
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