Barack Obama’s annual favorite music list has become a cultural moment of its own. Every year, the former U.S. president shares songs he enjoyed the most, cutting across genres, generations, and continents.
In 2025, the list once again proved how global modern music has become and Nigeria stood tall once again.
Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé all earned spots on Obama’s favorite music list this year, reinforcing Afrobeats’ growing influence on the world’s biggest cultural stages.
Afrobeats’ Strong Presence on a Global Playlist
Obama’s music lists are not charts or awards. They are personal playlists that reflect what he listens to and enjoys. That’s what makes them powerful.
So, when Nigerian artists appear, it signals something deeper than popularity; it shows cultural relevance.
This year’s list included:
- Burna Boy with Tatata (featuring Travis Scott)
- Olamidé, Asake, Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn on 99
These selections placed Nigerian street pop and Afrofusion side-by-side with global pop, hip-hop, indie, and jazz records.
Burna Boy’s appearance on the list comes as no surprise. Over the years, he has built a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent global exports.
Tatata, his collaboration with Travis Scott, blends Afrofusion rhythms with international rap energy. Its inclusion reflects how Burna Boy continues to operate comfortably at the intersection of African identity and global appeal.
Perhaps the most significant moment on the list is the inclusion of 99; a song deeply rooted in Nigerian street pop culture.
Led by Olamidé and Asake, alongside Seyi Vibez, Daecolm, and Young Jonn, 99 represents a raw, energetic Lagos sound. It is the kind of song born from the streets, clubs, and everyday experiences of Nigerian youth.
Seeing it land on a playlist curated by a former U.S. president speaks volumes.
Olamidé’s role as a culture driver and Asake’s rise as one of Afrobeats’ most exciting modern stars come together on this track.
Barack Obama’s favorite music lists have always served as a snapshot of the year’s cultural mood. In 2025, that snapshot clearly includes Nigeria.
For Asake, Burna Boy, and Olamidé, making the list is not just a personal win; it’s another moment of validation for Nigerian music as a global force.