Nigerian music star Divine Ikubor, popularly known as Rema, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone as the first African artist to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. The American publication, known for shaping global music culture, spotlighted Rema as the cover star for its April 2025 issue. This historic achievement further cements his reputation as one of Afrobeats’ most influential and globally recognized figures.
Rolling Stone Recognizes Rema’s Influence
Rolling Stone acknowledged Rema’s role in expanding Afrobeats beyond Africa, stating that he consistently breaks boundaries on the global music scene. His unique sound, a fusion of traditional Afrobeats with contemporary pop and electronic influences, has propelled him to international stardom. The feature explores his musical journey, artistic evolution, and contributions to the genre’s rapid rise worldwide.
Mavin Records Celebrates the Milestone
Mavin Records, Rema’s label, celebrated the achievement with an Instagram post that read: “Rave Lordé Rema, the Afrobeats Visionary, makes history as Rolling Stone USA’s first African cover star!” The post highlighted the significance of his recognition on a platform that has previously featured global superstars like Beyoncé, Drake, and The Weeknd.
Electrifying Performance at Rolling Stone Concert
Following the magazine cover reveal, Rema headlined the Rolling Stone concert in Austin, Texas. He delivered an electrifying performance, thrilling audiences with some of his biggest hits, including Dumebi, Woman, and the chart-topping Calm Down. The performance reinforced his ability to command global audiences and showcase Afrobeats on an international stage.
‘Calm Down’ Breaks Multiple Streaming Records
Rema’s Calm Down, featuring Selena Gomez, has set multiple records, making it the most-streamed Afrobeats song in history. The track became the first African-led song to surpass 2 billion streams on Spotify and has achieved multi-platinum certifications in several countries. It also made history as the number-one hit on the world’s first regional streaming chart and the official chart for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The song’s global dominance earned Rema a Guinness World Record, further establishing his impact in international music.
First African Artist to Perform at Ballon d’Or Ceremony
Beyond streaming achievements, Rema has also made history as the first African artist to perform at the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. In 2023, he took the stage in Paris, delivering a captivating performance that introduced Afrobeats to a new audience, including the world’s top footballers and sports figures. His presence at the event signified Afrobeats’ growing influence across different industries, from entertainment to sports.
Global Recognition and Afrobeats’ Expansion
Rema’s global success continues to elevate Afrobeats as a dominant force in the music industry. His recent feature on Rolling Stone follows his appearance on the cover of Dazed magazine, another major international publication. These milestones showcase how Afrobeats is shaping contemporary music and gaining recognition beyond Africa.
Conclusion
By making history as the first African artist on the cover of Rolling Stone, Rema has further solidified his status as a global trailblazer. His achievements, from breaking streaming records to headlining international concerts, continue to push Afrobeats to new heights. As he paves the way for the next generation of African artists, his influence on the global stage remains undeniable.
