Former United States President, Barack Obama, has included Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Olamide and Seyi Vibez on his widely followed Favourite Songs of 2025 list.
Released annually at the close of the year, Obama’s playlist has become a global cultural moment — a barometer of sounds that shaped the year across continents. His 2025 selection cuts across hip-hop, pop, soul, indie and world music, spotlighting both chart-toppers and boundary-pushing international records.
Flying Nigeria’s flag high on the list is Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa”, a high-energy collaboration with American rapper Travis Scott. Lifted from Burna Boy’s eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness, the track fuses Afro-fusion rhythms with trap influences, delivering a sound that resonated far beyond African shores.
Also making the cut is “99” by Olamide, a star-studded anthem featuring Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake and Young Jonn. The track, drawn from Olamide’s self-titled eleventh album, became one of the year’s defining Afropop moments — praised for its street-inspired energy and celebration of Nigeria’s new-generation sound.
Further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing global imprint, London-based Nigerian artist Obongjayar earned recognition with his emotive track “Not In Surrender,” adding a soulful dimension to the country’s presence on the list.
Sharing the playlist on social media, Obama described it as a continuation of a tradition he started in the White House, noting that the list reflects the music that inspired and moved him throughout the year while inviting fans to recommend new sounds.
The appearance of Burna Boy, Olamide and Seyi Vibez on the former president’s list is more than symbolic — it is a testament to Afrobeats’ undeniable influence on global music culture and Nigeria’s growing role in shaping the world’s soundscape in 2025.
Other artists featured on Obama’s eclectic playlist include Kendrick Lamar & SZA, BLACKPINK, Lady Gaga, Drake, Olivia Dean and Laufey, underscoring a year defined by diversity, creativity and cross-cultural exchange.
