Rema Breaks Barriers as First African Artist on Rolling Stone Cover

Here's some electrifying news straight out of the music world: Nigerian superstar Divine Ikubor, better known as Rema, just made a historic musical stride. He's officially the first African artist ever to grace the cover of the iconic Rolling Stone magazine in their April 2025 edition. It's a massive nod to his key role in taking Afrobeats to a whole new global scale. Can you imagine being the face of such a legendary publication? Rema's achievement is a testament to his remarkable influence in the music industry.

In sync with this groundbreaking moment, Rema delivered a stunning performance at the Rolling Stone concert. Fans got to groove to his chart-toppers like *Dumebi*, *Woman*, and the megahit *Calm Down*. If you’ve heard *Calm Down*, especially the version featuring Selena Gomez, you know why it's a favorite. The song didn’t just climb charts; it made history as the first African-led track to smash through a billion streams on Spotify! Talk about a game-changer.

This monumental track didn’t just stay in the musical arena. It earned Rema a Guinness World Record too! Wondering how far his tunes go? Well, *Calm Down* also topped the charts in regions like the Middle East and North Africa. It’s not just music — it’s a cultural wave!

From Benin City to Global Stardom

Born in the bustling city of Benin in 2000, Rema's rise to fame started back in 2019. His unique sound and passionate performances instantly captured the hearts of fans worldwide. Signing with Mavin Records marked the beginning of a journey that’s changing the music narrative.

But the accolades don't stop there. Remember the glitzy Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris in 2023? Rema was there too, representing African talent on one of the grandest stages. And let’s not forget his recent spotlight on Dazed magazine, another feather in his cap that underscores his soaring international presence.

His label, Mavin Records, is over the moon about his success, even taking to Instagram to dub him an 'Afrobeats Visionary.' Indeed, Rema’s journey from Benin City to such incredible international recognition is a story of passion, talent, and breaking barriers in the music industry.

So, are we seeing a new era for Afrobeats? With talents like Rema leading the charge, it's shaping up to be an exciting time for African music on the world stage!