Former United States President Barack Obama has once again spotlighted the unstoppable rise of Nigerian music, including Afrobeats heavyweights in his highly anticipated 2025 year-end cultural roundup.
In a tradition that has become a global cultural touchstone, Obama released his annual curated list on Thursday, December 18, 2025, featuring 30 songs that defined his year. This year’s selection was headlined by Olamide (Olamide Baddo) and Burna Boy, reinforcing Nigeria’s position at the center of the global music stage.
The Standout Nigerian Tracks
The 2025 list features two massive collaborations that bridge the gap between Lagos and the international mainstream:
- “TaTaTa” – Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott: Released on May 21, 2025, as a lead single from Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness. The track is a seamless blend of Afro-fusion and global trap.
- “99” – Olamide ft. Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, & Daecolm: A powerhouse collaboration from Olamide’s self-titled 2025 album, Olamidé. The song has been hailed as a “super-group” anthem, celebrating wealth and the Nigerian “enjoyment” culture.
- “Not In Surrender” – Obongjayar: The list also recognized the Nigerian London-based soul-fusion artist Steven Umoh, further showcasing the diversity of the Nigerian sound.
A Presidential Tradition of Culture
Obama shared the lists—which also include his favorite books and films—via his social media platforms, noting that the tradition serves as a way to share the stories and melodies that moved him over the past twelve months.
“As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House,” Obama wrote. “I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out!”
Beyond the Music: Books and Movies
The 2025 list was not limited to the airwaves. In the literary category, Obama gave a special (and humorous) nod to his wife, Michelle Obama, for her 2025 bestseller, The Look, jokingly adding, “Obviously, I’m biased.” In cinema, his top picks featured high-stakes dramas and documentaries, including One Battle After Another and the dystopian narrative Orwell: 2+2=5.
