Since its launch in 1999, the TIME 100 has become one of the world’s most influential lists, spotlighting figures whose work defines the present and reimagines the future. Within its categories Icons, Titans, Leaders, Artists, Pioneers, and Innovators the Innovators section honors talents who push creative and cultural boundaries.

Past honorees have included Billie Eilish, BTS, and fellow Nigerian star Burna Boy, recognized in 2024. Rema’s inclusion this year signals both his personal rise and the undeniable global reach of Afrobeats.

Selections are made by TIME editors, drawing on nominations from international journalists and previous honorees. Joining a roster that has featured Prince Harry, Meghan Markle, Simone Biles, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Rema’s presence highlights a turning point for African music on the world stage.

Rema’s Meteoric Rise

Rema first broke out globally with his 2022 smash Calm Down, now one of the most-streamed African songs in history. Its remix with Selena Gomez propelled him into mainstream U.S. and European markets, topping charts and filling arenas worldwide.

His latest album earned him a Grammy nomination, reinforcing his status as not just a hitmaker but a complete artist of international stature. With both commercial success and critical acclaim, his recognition on TIME’s list feels like a natural progression.

Angélique Kidjo’s Tribute

As is tradition, each TIME 100 profile is authored by a peer in the industry. Rema’s tribute came from Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who placed him in the lineage of African icons such as Fela Kuti and Miriam Makeba. “I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down,” she wrote. “It has a unique flow not imitating Western pop, but rooted in Africa while still universal. That’s what makes it powerful.”

Kidjo praised Rema’s ability to blend authenticity with global appeal, calling him a defining voice of Afrobeats’ new wave.

Afrobeats in the Global Spotlight

Rema’s recognition underscores a broader truth: Afrobeats is no longer a regional genre, but a global cultural force. Nigerian acts like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Tems have filled international venues, earned Grammy honors, and redefined pop music worldwide. Rema’s TIME 100 debut cements Afrobeats’ role as a creative innovation reshaping global soundscapes.

Being the sole African on TIME’s 2025 Innovators list places Rema in a space often dominated by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs and Hollywood icons. His presence is a statement that music and African music in particular belongs at the center of global conversations about innovation and influence.

For Rema, this honor is another step in a career that has already broken barriers. For Africa, it is a cultural milestone proof that sounds born in Lagos can shape dance floors, playlists, and imaginations worldwide.