Former US President Barack Obama has once again used his influential year-end music list to shine a major spotlight on Nigerian artists, with Burna Boy, Olamide, and Seyi Vibez leading the charge in 2025. This annual tradition, which began during his presidency, has become a significant barometer for global music trends, and this year's selection firmly declares Afrobeats as a central force in popular culture.
A Curated Nod to Nigerian Sound and Substance
Released on December 18, 2025, via his verified social media channels, Obama's playlist is more than just a collection of songs. It is a curated statement on the current musical landscape. The prominent inclusion of Nigerian tracks follows the former President's deep personal engagement with the genre's roots. Earlier in the year, his media company, Higher Ground, partnered with Audible to release Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, a landmark 12-part documentary podcast series.
In the series, hosted by Jad Abumrad, Obama served as an executive producer and active interviewee, reflecting on Fela Kuti's "musical genius" and the power of art to challenge injustice. This exploration seems to have directly influenced his 2025 musical choices, connecting the legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela to the contemporary sounds dominating the list.
The Standout Tracks and Artists on the List
Topping the 2025 selection is "TATATA", the explosive collaboration between Burna Boy and American rapper Travis Scott, taken from Burna Boy's Grammy-nominated album No Sign of Weakness. The track merges Afrobeats rhythms with Houston trap influences.
However, a major talking point is the inclusion of Olamide's "99". This star-studded street-pop anthem, produced by Yung Willis, features Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British-Nigerian singer Daecolm. The song was a massive commercial hit in Nigeria, reaching number one on Apple Music and Spotify Nigeria shortly after its release. Its presence on Obama's list signals a recognition of the raw, locally-driven "Street-Pop" movement defining the continent's sound.
Adding an alternative edge is Obongjayar's "Not In Surrender". The London-based Nigerian artist, known for his genre-defying work, represents the innovative spirit of the Nigerian diaspora and broadens the scope of what African music encompasses on a global stage.
The "Obama Bump": A Consistent History of Afrobeats Endorsement
This is not a one-off endorsement. Obama's playlists have consistently served as a launchpad for Nigerian artists into wider international consciousness:
- 2019: Rema's "Iron Man" marked the start of his global ascent.
- 2020 & 2021: Wizkid and Tems's "Essence" became a playlist staple, cementing its status as a global crossover hit before its Billboard peak.
- 2022: Burna Boy's "Last Last" was featured.
- Other past honorees include Ayra Starr ("Rush"), Pheelz, and BNXN (Buju).
This historical consistency proves Afrobeats is no passing trend for the Obama office's curation but a permanent and vital part of the global music dialogue.
The Bigger Picture: Afrobeats Sets the Global Menu
The significance of the 2025 list lies in what it represents for the industry's power dynamics. Afrobeats has decisively moved beyond being labeled a novelty or niche "World Music" genre. When artists like Olamide and Seyi Vibez are placed alongside top-tier American acts on one of the world's most-watched playlists, it validates a new reality: the pulse of global pop music now beats strongly from Africa. Obama's list confirms that Afrobeats is not just a guest at the table but is actively setting the menu for international popular culture.
