Rema & Lamine Yamal Among 2025 TIME100 NEXT Stars

The Rema Lamine Yamal NEXT moment is official! The 2025 TIME100 NEXT list spotlights Nigerian Afrobeats sensation, Rema, and Spanish football prodigy, Lamine Yamal, among the new class.

This recognition cements their roles not just as trendsetters but as change implementors in their fields. Here’s a deep dive into the news, the impact, and why this matters now.

TIME’s NEXT list casts a wide net. It highlights emerging leaders from music, sports, art, activism, science, and beyond. Rema, whose real name is Divine Ikubor, becomes the only Nigerian artist on the list this year.

While Yamal turns 18, he’s already breaking records in football and global influence. Together, their inclusion signals how Africa and youth voices are shaping the future.

Furthermore, Rema’s rise has been meteoric. His hit “Calm Down” surpassed a billion streams, drew global features, and charted internationally. Now, with this honor, he gains even more visibility.

The profile written about him emphasizes originality, stating his sound doesn’t simply imitate Western pop; it’s deeply African and yet effortlessly global. Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal’s path is remarkable. At just 18, he’s broken records in La Liga and international football.

His composure, skill, and maturity on the pitch earned him comparisons to legends despite being a teenager. TIME’s write-up positions him as part of a new generation of athletes who influence culture just as much as they affect scorelines.

In addition, the list includes other names pushing boundaries: actors, creators, technologists, and changemakers whose work resonates beyond borders. Their selection underlines a moment when global recognition embraces diversity and fresh voices.

Moreover, the inclusion of Rema Lamine and Yamal in this year’s TIME100 NEXT signifies a broader shift. African music is no longer a niche; it’s central to global pop culture. Young athletes are not just sports stars; they’re influencers, ambassadors, and storytellers.

Critics and fans alike see this as validation. For Rema, it reaffirms that his music carries weight beyond streams. For Yamal, it confirms that his athletic excellence is part of a larger cultural conversation. As media attention spreads, doors open: collaborations, brand partnerships, and platforms amplify their influence.

Going forward, all eyes will be on how they leverage this platform. Will Rema evolve sonically? Can Yamal translate field dominance into social influence? Let us know in the comments.

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