Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again spotlighted global sounds in his annual favourite music list, and Nigerian artists are prominently represented. Afrobeats stars Burna Boy, Olamide, and Obongjayar all earned spots on Obama’s favourite music of 2025, underscoring the genre’s sustained global influence.

Burna Boy made the list with “TATATA”, a record that reflects his continued ability to merge African rhythms with introspective songwriting and global appeal. The inclusion adds to Burna Boy’s long history of recognition from Obama, reinforcing his position as one of Africa’s most internationally resonant voices.

Olamide’s selection came through “99”, a track that blends street-rooted energy with sharp commentary. Its presence on the list highlights Obama’s appreciation not just for mainstream Afrobeats, but for music that captures local identity, language, and cultural texture.

Obongjayar’s inclusion stands out as a major win for alternative Nigerian sounds. His song “Not in surrender” was featured, reflecting the former president’s continued interest in genre-blurring artists who push emotional depth and experimentation. For many fans, Obongjayar’s appearance on the list signals growing global recognition for Nigerian artists operating outside traditional pop frameworks.

Obama’s annual playlist has become a cultural benchmark, often introducing global audiences to artists and songs beyond the Western mainstream. His 2025 selections once again span continents and genres, but the strong Nigerian presence reflects how Afrobeats and its offshoots have become integral to global music conversations.

Social media reactions were swift, with fans celebrating the diversity of Nigerian sounds represented from Burna Boy’s arena-ready anthems to Olamide’s street consciousness and Obongjayar’s alternative edge. Many described the moment as proof that Nigerian music’s global rise is no longer confined to a single sound or style.

As Afrobeats continues to evolve and expand, moments like this reinforce its cultural weight far beyond charts and streaming numbers. With Burna Boy, Olamide, and Obongjayar featured on Barack Obama’s favourite music of 2025, Nigerian music once again affirms its place on the world’s most influential playlists.