Renowned Afrobeats artist Rema has achieved a significant international milestone, being the sole African musician included in the 2025 TIME 100 Innovators list. TIME highlights this annual list as a tribute to people who are influencing culture, technology, and artistic expression across the globe.
The acclaim highlights not only Rema's individual accomplishments but also the increasing influence of Afrobeats in the worldwide music scene.
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What the TIME 100 Innovators List Signifies
The TIME 100 brand has emerged as one of the most well-known avenues for highlighting impactful individuals from various fields. Introduced in 1999, the yearly list has developed into a cultural standard, showcasing leaders, artists, and innovators whose contributions are seen as revolutionary worldwide.
While the Person of the Year typically highlights a single person or organization, the TIME 100 categorizes influence into sections such as Icons, Pioneers, Titans, Artists, Leaders, and Innovators.
Candidates are selected by TIME editors, with recommendations provided by previous honorees and the global writing team. The outcome is a diverse representation of individuals influencing the future across various industries.
Earlier lists have included international personalities such as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, Simone Biles, Kate Winslet, and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. In the music industry, Billie Eilish, BTS, and Nigerian artist Burna Boy (highlighted in 2024) have been previous recipients.
The TIME 100 Innovators list specifically spotlights emerging leaders who are transforming their industries. Being the sole African artist featured in 2025 underscores the extent of Rema's influence and the acknowledgment of Afrobeats as a worldwide phenomenon.
Rema's choice comes after a series of global achievements that have placed him at the leading edge of Afrobeats.His 2022 chart-topping song "Calm Down"emerged as one of the most-recognized African tracks ever, surpassing the billion-stream threshold on two occasions and gaining popularity across regions ranging from the United States to India.
The song's remix featuring Selena Gomez helped it gain more traction on global mainstream charts, leading to his performances in large venues and stadiums around the world.
His most recent album also received a Grammy nomination, reinforcing his legitimacy outside of viral hits and into the realm of complete artistic expression. This blend of commercial success and critical acclaim made his presence on the 2025 list unavoidable.
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Angélique Kidjo on Rema
Every time 100 profiles are authored by a peer or professional in the field, and Rema's was written byGrammy-winning legend Angélique KidjoIn her essay, she connected his ascent to the broader heritage of African music legends such as Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour.
I fell in love with Rema's Calm Down,' she wrote. 'It has a distinct rhythm and atmosphere, not copying Western pop; it is based in Africa yet also infectious and skillful. I enjoy singing it.
Kidjo emphasisedThat Rema symbolizes the global triumph of Afrobeats, a musical style currently dominating international playlists and shaping pop music across the world. His skill in merging genuine African beats with broad appeal, she pointed out, is what makes him unique.
Afrobeats Shines Globally
Rema's acclaim emerges at a time when Afrobeats has become a significant force in global pop culture. Nigerian musicians such as Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have filled international venues, worked with Western music icons, and received Grammy awards and nominations. Rema's inclusion on the TIME 100 Innovators list highlights not only commercial achievements but also positions Afrobeats as a cultural movement influencing how music is enjoyed worldwide.
As the sole African representative this year, Rema is representing the continent in a setting largely occupied by tech entrepreneurs, Hollywood figures, and scientific experts. This highlights the recognition that music, especially African music, holds a place in discussions about innovation alongside groundbreaking technologies or policy changes.
For Rema, this achievement is further evidence that his music goes beyond national boundaries. For Afrobeats, it's confirmation of a genre that has evolved from Lagos to fill stadiums around the globe, and one that will keep expanding as it gains acknowledgment on the world's most prominent cultural rankings.
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