Former United States President Barack Obama has once again shone a global spotlight on Nigerian music, naming Burna Boy and Olamide among the artists featured on his 2025 end-of-year music playlist.
Obama shared the playlist on X (formerly Twitter), continuing a tradition he began during his years in the White House. Over time, the annual list has grown into a cultural moment, offering fans a glimpse into the former president’s listening habits while encouraging people to explore new sounds and share recommendations.
On the 2025 list, Burna Boy earned a spot with Tatata, his collaboration with American rapper Travis Scott. The inclusion further reinforces Burna Boy’s standing as one of Africa’s most internationally recognised music stars, with his sound consistently crossing borders and genres.
Olamide also cut with 99, a track that features British singer Daecolm alongside Nigerian hitmakers Seyi Vibez, Asake, and Young Jonn. While Burna Boy and Olamide are the primary Nigerian artists credited on the playlist, the presence of multiple Nigerian collaborators highlights the depth and collective strength of the country’s music scene.
Obama’s yearly playlists are widely known for sparking online conversations and introducing audiences to a blend of established stars and rising talents from different parts of the world. Over the years, several Nigerian artistes have appeared on his lists, reflecting the steady global rise of Afrobeats and its growing influence beyond Africa.
According to Obama, the 2025 playlist is his way of rounding off the year by sharing some of the music that resonated with him over the past months. True to form, the selection cuts across multiple genres, including pop, soul, hip-hop, rock, jazz, and global sounds.
Beyond Nigerian music, the playlist features a diverse lineup of international artistes such as Olivia Dean (Nice to Each Other), Kendrick Lamar and SZA (Luther), BLACKPINK (Jump), Bruce Springsteen (Faithless), Lady Gaga (Abracadabra), Gunna (Just Say Dat), Chappell Roan (The Giver), Drake (Nokia), and Obongjayar (Not in Surrender), among others.
As has become tradition, Obama’s latest list not only reflects his wide-ranging musical taste but also underscores how African music—particularly from Nigeria—continues to find a place in global conversations.
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 favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out! pic.twitter.com/T9LFt5fnKG
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 18, 2025