Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has once again highlighted the growing global influence of Afrobeats, featuring songs by Nigerian artists on his 2025 year-end list of favourite music.
In the annual cultural roundup shared on his social media platforms on Thursday evening, Obama included tracks by Olamide and Burna Boy among his top songs of the year.
Olamide’s “99”, featuring Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and Daecolm, earned a spot on the list, alongside Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa”, a collaboration with American rapper Travis Scott. Nigerian-born, London-based singer Obongjayar, whose real name is Steven Umoh, was also recognised for his track “Not In Surrender.”
Obama said the selection reflects his appreciation for a wide range of sounds, spanning pop, hip-hop, indie, and world music, as he continues a tradition that began during his presidency.
“As 2025 comes to a close, I’m continuing a tradition that I started during my time in the White House: sharing my annual lists of favourite books, movies, and music,” Obama wrote. “I hope you find something new to enjoy.”
Beyond Nigerian acts, the former president’s music list featured songs from global artists including Olivia Dean, Kendrick Lamar and SZA, BLACKPINK, Bruce Springsteen, Lady Gaga, Drake, Rosalía, Gunna, Chappell Roan, and Chance the Rapper, among others.
Obama also released his favourite films of 2025, which include One Battle After Another, Sinners, Hamnet, The Secret Agent, Train Dreams, and Orwell: 2+2=5.
His book recommendations for the year span fiction and non-fiction, with titles such as Paper Girl by Beth Macy, We the People by Jill Lepore, The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy, and The Look by Michelle Obama making the list.
Obama’s latest selections have once again drawn attention to the increasing presence of African and Afrobeats artists in global pop culture, reinforcing the genre’s continued international reach.
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