Burna Boy, Olamide, and Seyi Vibez Featured on Barack Obama’s 2025 Songs of the Year Playlist

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has once again used his annual Songs of the Year playlist to spotlight the sounds shaping global music — and in 2025, Nigerian artists are impossible to ignore.

Every year, Obama’s end-of-year playlist sparks worldwide conversation, not just because of who makes the cut, but because it often reflects deeper cultural shifts. This year’s selection makes one thing clear: Afrobeats is no longer on the sidelines of global pop culture — it’s firmly at the centre.

Released through his verified social media platforms, Obama’s 2025 playlist highlights a growing appreciation for African music, with Nigerian stars Burna Boy, Olamide, and Seyi Vibez earning notable placements.

A Deeper Connection to Afrobeat Roots

Obama’s interest in Nigerian music this year appears to be more than casual listening. Earlier in 2025, his production company, Higher Ground, partnered with Audible to release Fela Kuti: Fear No Man, a 12-part documentary podcast exploring the life and legacy of Afrobeat pioneer Fela Anikulapo-Kuti.

Hosted by Jad Abumrad, the series features Obama not only as an executive producer but also as an interview participant, where he reflects on Fela’s influence and the power of music as a tool for resistance and social commentary. That context makes the African-heavy presence on his playlist feel intentional rather than coincidental.

Nigerian Standouts on the 2025 List

Leading the Nigerian representation is “TATATA,” Burna Boy’s collaboration with Travis Scott from his Grammy-nominated album No Sign of Weakness. The track blends Burna Boy’s Afro-fusion rhythms with Travis Scott’s signature trap sound, making it one of the most globally styled songs on the list.

Equally significant is “99,” a standout street-pop anthem from Olamide’s self-titled album Olamidé. Produced by Yung Willis, the song features a powerhouse lineup including Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British-Nigerian singer Daecolm. Its presence on Obama’s playlist signals recognition of Nigeria’s street-pop movement — a sound rooted in local culture rather than Western crossover appeal.

The song’s success at home was immediate, topping both Apple Music Nigeria and Spotify Nigeria shortly after release, and its inclusion on the former president’s list elevates its cultural significance beyond local borders.

Also featured is Obongjayar’s “Not In Surrender,” adding a more experimental edge to the playlist. The London-based Nigerian artist is known for pushing sonic boundaries, and his appearance reinforces the influence of the Nigerian diaspora in shaping alternative African sounds on the global stage.

A Familiar Pattern of Recognition

This is far from Obama’s first embrace of Afrobeats. In 2019, Rema made his debut on the list with “Iron Man,” a moment many fans credit as a turning point in his international rise. Wizkid and Tems followed in subsequent years, with “Essence” becoming a recurring fixture that helped propel the song into worldwide mainstream success.

Burna Boy has also appeared on previous lists, including 2022’s selection with “Last Last.” Ayra Starr, Pheelz, and BNXN have similarly benefited from what fans often call the “Obama effect,” where inclusion on the playlist brings global curiosity and validation.

What It All Means

The consistent presence of Nigerian artists on Barack Obama’s playlists sends a powerful message in 2025. Afrobeats is no longer treated as a niche genre or a temporary global trend. Instead, it stands shoulder to shoulder with hip-hop, indie rock, and pop as a defining force in modern music.

For artists like Burna Boy, Olamide, and Seyi Vibez, the recognition goes beyond streaming numbers — it reflects a shift in global taste, where African sounds are no longer adapting to the world, but actively shaping it.