Rema Is Included In TIME’s List Of 100 Most Influential Emerging Leaders

Nigerian music artist Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, has secured a position on TIME’s esteemed TIME100 Next list, ranking among the most influential up-and-coming leaders who are helping to mold the future of global culture.

The TIME100 Next honours 100 influential individuals globally whose achievements are redefining what leadership and impact mean for the younger generation. The 2025 issue showcases three international covers, highlighting Tate McRae as a singer-songwriter, Jonathan Bailey as an actor, and April Koh as co-founder of Spring Health, and also recognises notable individuals such as Rema, Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and others who are making a significant impact in their respective industries.

TIME’s chief executive, Jessica Sibley, stressed the significance of this year’s recipients, stating that the list showcases individuals who are “reshaping the definitions of progress, influence, and impact in contemporary society.”

Grammy winner Angélique Kidjo complimented Rema in her tribute, highlighting how his hit song Calm Down motivated her to include it in her African Symphony project, which also features works by renowned artists such as Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour. She described the record as “rooted in Africa, yet catchy and virtuosic,” and noted that Rema embodies the international success of Afrobeats.

Since his breakthrough, Rema has achieved historic milestones with the song Calm Down, which has exceeded two billion streams worldwide, received Grammy recognition, performed at stadium stages globally and has been included on the TIME100 Next list. His influence has helped bring Afrobeats to the forefront of global music culture, solidifying his position as one of Africa’s most promising stars.