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Rema named among TIME’s 100 most influential emerging leaders

Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, has been named among the honorees of TIME’s influential TIME100 Next list, a recognition reserved for the emerging figures shaping the future of culture, leadership, and innovation worldwide.
The 2025 edition of the list celebrates 100 individuals who are rewriting the rules of influence for a new generation.
This year’s issue is fronted by three global cover stars singer-songwriter Tate McRae, actor Jonathan Bailey, and Spring Health co-founder April Koh—while also spotlighting names as varied as Rema, Elon Musk, and Donald Trump.
TIME’s CEO, Jessica Sibley, described the class of 2025 as a collection of trailblazers “redefining what progress, influence, and impact mean in today’s world.”
REMA NAMED AMONG TIME’S ANNUAL TIME100 NEXT LIST OF THE 100 LEADERS SHAPING THE FUTURE.https://t.co/4KUgF8deLx pic.twitter.com/qX9W1uSvJ9
— REMA NEWS (@heisremanewss) September 30, 2025
For Rema, the recognition came with glowing words from Beninese legend and Grammy-winning powerhouse Angélique Kidjo, who paid tribute to his artistry.
She recalled how his record-breaking hit ‘Calm Down‘ found its way into her African Symphony project, where she placed it alongside works from African icons like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour.
Kidjo described the song as “rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic,” capturing the balance of heritage and global appeal that defines Rema’s music.
Since bursting onto the scene, Rema has stacked up achievements that place him in a league of his own. ‘Calm Down‘ has crossed two billion global streams, earned him Grammy recognition, and taken him to stadium stages across continents.
Now, with his name cemented on TIME100 Next, he stands not just as a rising Afrobeats act but as one of the cultural voices carrying Africa’s sound to every corner of the globe.
Rema is on the 2025 TIME100 Next List.
Entry written by Angélique Kidjo. 🖤https://t.co/lwXdlszY1t pic.twitter.com/Pe7PbspoT5
— MAVIN (@MavinRecords) September 30, 2025
