When legends speak, the world listens—and this time, the legendary Beninese singer, songwriter, and activist Angélique Kidjo has showered Nigeria’s very own Rema (Divine Ikubor) with well-deserved flowers in his TIME 100 NEXT feature.

Kidjo, a five-time Grammy Award winner and one of Africa’s most respected voices, used her tribute piece to highlight how Rema is not just another pop star, but a global cultural force pushing African music to the frontlines of the world stage.

“I’m often performing my new African Symphony, a project that pays tribute to the African songbook,” Kidjo wrote. “It includes pieces by Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, Youssou N’Dour, and other luminaries who brought beauty from our continent to the world.”

But with the current global explosion of African music, Kidjo explained that she wanted to add something contemporary to her setlist. That’s when she found herself captivated by Rema’s record-breaking hit, “Calm Down.”

“I fell in love with Rema’s Calm Down. It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it,” she revealed.

Rema’s meteoric rise is impossible to ignore. From performing in stadiums worldwide, to his song “Calm Down” becoming a two-time member of the billion-streams club, to his Grammy-nominated album, the 24-year-old Edo-born superstar has become a poster child for Afrobeats’ domination of global culture.

Kidjo sealed her tribute with powerful words:

“Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.”

This heartfelt recognition places Rema not only among the brightest stars of his generation but also in the continuum of African legends who have carried the continent’s sound to the world.

From the streets of Benin City to the biggest stages in America and Europe, Rema’s journey continues to inspire millions of young Africans who dare to dream beyond borders.

And when an icon like Angélique Kidjo sings your song? That’s proof you’ve made history.