Afrobeats star Rema has earned a major global milestone, becoming the only African artist featured on the 2025 TIME 100 Innovators list. TIME describes the annual ranking as a celebration of individuals who are shaping culture, technology, and creativity worldwide.
For Rema, the recognition underscores not just his personal achievements but also Afrobeats’ growing role in global music.
The TIME 100 franchise has become one of the most recognised platforms for spotlighting influential figures across industries. First published in 1999, the annual list has evolved into a cultural benchmark, featuring leaders, artists, and pioneers whose work is considered groundbreaking on a global scale.
Unlike Person of the Year, which often singles out one individual or group, the TIME 100 breaks influence down into categories including Icons, Pioneers, Titans, Artists, Leaders, and Innovators.
Entrants are chosen by TIME editors, with nominations coming from past honorees and the international writing staff. The final result is a cross-industry snapshot of people shaping the future.
Previous lists have featured global figures ranging from Prince Harry and Meghan Markle to Simone Biles, Kate Winslet, and Ngozi Okonjo Iweala. In music, Billie Eilish, BTS, and Nigerian star Burna Boy (featured in 2024) have been past honorees.
The TIME 100 Innovators category specifically highlights rising leaders who are redefining their fields. To be the only African artist included in 2025 reflects both the scale of Rema’s reach and the recognition of Afrobeats as a global force.
