YouTube has released its official 2025 Nigeria Year-in-Review, highlighting the music videos, creators, and entertainment content that captivated audiences over the past year.
The report, shared by Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, revealed gospel singer Akinade “Gaise Baba” Ibuoye and Nollywood star Omoni Oboli as the standout performers on the platform.
Gaise Baba dominated the music scene with his viral hit No Turning Back II, featuring Lawrence Oyor. Released in mid-May, the video quickly amassed over 41 million views within six months, becoming the most-streamed Nigerian music video of 2025. Other top-performing videos included:
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Shallipopi – Laho
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Davido – With You featuring Omah Lay
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Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young John – Ninety Nine featuring Daecolm
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Asake – Why Love
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Rema – Baby Is It a Crime
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Chella – My Darling
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Wizkid – Kese (Dance)
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Shallipopi featuring Burna Boy – Laho II
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Davido – With You (Visualizer)
In the digital creator category, Omoni Oboli TV emerged as the top Nigerian YouTube channel, reflecting her strong influence in Nollywood and online content creation. Other creators who made the list included Ibrahim Yekini (Itelediconstudio), Uchenna Mbunabo (Uchenna Mbunabo TV), Aminu Saira (Saira Movies), Maurice Sam (Maurice Sam TV), Ruth Kadiri (RuthKadiri Two Four Seven), ApataTV Plus, Uche Montana (Uche Montana TV), Sonia Uche (Sonia Uche TV), and Brain Jotter (Brain Jotter).
The 2025 Year-in-Review underscores the growing impact of Nigerian music and entertainment content on global streaming platforms, highlighting creators and artists driving engagement across the country.
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