Rema is among four featured artists on the “Future of Music 2025” cover
Nigerian Afrobeats phenomenon Rema has reached a groundbreaking achievement by becoming the inaugural African artist to be showcased on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine’s special issue, “The Future of Music 2025. ”
The internationally acclaimed music publication accentuates emerging and significant artists who are shaping the future of the industry.
Rema, born Divine Ikubor, is among four featured artists on the “Future of Music 2025” cover, sharing the digital spotlight with up-and-coming talents Benson Boone, Ivan Cornejo, and Megan Moroney.
His inclusion in this esteemed feature underscores his extraordinary journey from a youthful breakout star to a globally acknowledged musician; it was his 2022 hit “Calm Down,” particularly its remix with Selena Gomez, that elevated him to worldwide fame.
The track emerged as one of the longest-charting Afrobeats songs on the Billboard Hot 100 and dominated the U. S. Afrobeats Songs chart for an unprecedented 58 weeks. It also propelled Rema into the Billion Spotify streams echelon.
As part of the cover feature, Rema also performed at Rolling Stone’s “Future of Music” concert during the distinguished South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas.
Throughout the media campaign, Rema conveyed his appreciation for the chance to represent African music on such a renowned platform.
“It is a tremendous honour! I feel fortunate and I know for the young people at home who look up to me, they’re proud,” he stated regarding his cover feature.
“I am proud to be here, not merely representing myself but also representing them, as a young person from Benin City, Nigeria,” he added.
Rema is not the first African to be featured on “The Future of Music” list. In 2024, fellow Nigerian artist Omah Lay was acknowledged in the esteemed lineup, further emphasizing Nigeria’s expanding influence on the global music landscape.
