Former US President Barack Obama has once again highlighted the global appeal of Afrobeats, featuring Nigerian superstars Burna Boy and Olamide in his highly anticipated year-end cultural recommendations for 2025.
Sharing his list on social media Thursday evening, Obama continued his tradition of releasing his favorite books, movies, and music, a practice he 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 favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy — and please send any recommendations for me to check out!” he wrote.
The music list spans 30 tracks across pop, hip-hop, indie, and world music. Among the Nigerian inclusions are Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott, and Olamide’s “99”, which features Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British singer Daecolm.
Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa”, released on May 21, 2025, via Atlantic Records, is the fourth single from his eighth studio album No Sign of Weakness, released on July 10. The song blends Burna Boy’s signature Afro-fusion sound with Travis Scott’s trap influences, creating a cross-continental hit.
Olamide’s “99”, released in June 2025 as part of his self-titled eleventh studio album Olamidé, is a star-studded celebration of wealth, fun, and carefree living. The track brings together some of Nigeria’s most exciting contemporary acts, showcasing the collaborative spirit of Afrobeats.
Obama’s nod to Nigerian artists follows a similar pattern from his 2024 playlist, which included Rema’s “Yayo” and Asake’s collaboration with Travis Scott, “Active”, reinforcing the growing global footprint of African music.
Also featured from Nigeria is London-based singer Steven Umoh, known professionally as Obongjayar, with his track “Not In Surrender”.
Other international artists on Obama’s 2025 list include Olivia Dean with “Nice To Each Other”, Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther”, BLACKPINK’s “Jump”, Bruce Springsteen’s “Faithless”, Rosalía’s “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas”, Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra”, Gunna’s “Just Say Dat”, and Victoria Noelle’s “In the Name of Love”. The list spans multiple genres, reflecting Obama’s diverse musical tastes.
Movies and Books
In addition to music, Obama also shared his favorite films and books of the year. Notable movie picks include One Battle After Another, Sinners, It Was Just an Accident, Hamnet, and The Secret Agent.
His literary favorites include Paper Girl by Beth Macy, Flashlight by Susan Choi, We the People by Jill Lepore, The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy, and There Is No Place for Us by Brian Goldstone. Other notable books include North Sun by Ethan Rutherford, 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, and The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai.
Obama’s year-end lists continue to highlight artists and creators from around the world, while placing Nigerian music and culture firmly on the global stage. Fans and music enthusiasts have welcomed the recognition, celebrating the sustained rise of Afrobeats in international markets.
Emma Tochi ✔
Godwin Okafor is the Publisher & CEO of Naija247news Media Group LLC, an independent investigative news platform delivering accurate, data-driven reporting on Nigerian and global politics, economy, finance, and business. Founded in October 2010, Naija247news specializes in developmental journalism, providing timely insights and analysis to readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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