Afrobeats star Rema has made history as the only African on the 2025 TIME100 Next list. The recognition highlights his role in Afrobeats global success.
Grammy-winning icon Angélique Kidjo wrote his profile, celebrating his achievements. She compared him to African music pioneers like Miriam Makeba, Fela Kuti, and Youssou N’Dour.
Kidjo explained, “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.”
She praised his milestones, “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.”
Kidjo concluded, “Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”
