A former President of the United States, Barack Obama, has once again spotlighted the global reach of Afrobeats in his highly anticipated year-end cultural recommendations.
Obama, in his list of favourite songs for 2025, included tracks by Nigerian superstars Olamide Adedeji, popularly known as Olamide Baddo, and Damini Ogulu, known as Burna Boy.
Sharing the list on his social media accounts on Thursday evening, Obama said he was continuing the tradition of releasing his favourite books, movies and music.
“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 favourite 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 features 30 tracks spanning genres from pop and hip-hop to indie and world music.
Among the inclusions are Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa” featuring Travis Scott, and Olamide’s “99”, which features Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British singer Daecolm.
Obama’s nod to Nigerian artists sparked reactions from fans on social media and further highlighted Afrobeats’ continued global appeal.
The former president had also spotlighted Nigerian acts in his 2024 playlist, which included Rema’s “Yayo” and Asake’s collaboration with Travis Scott, “Active”.
Released on May 21, 2025, through Atlantic Records, “TaTaTa” is the fourth single from Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, released on July 10.
The track blends Burna’s Afro-fusion style with Travis Scott’s trap influences.
Also, “99” is a star-studded hit released in June 2025 and served as a key single from Olamide’s self-titled eleventh studio album, Olamidé. It centres on themes of wealth, fun, and carefree living.
Apart from Olamide and Burna Boy, Obama also listed “Not In Surrender” by Nigerian London-based singer Steven Umoh, known by his stage name Obongjayar.
The 44th US president also included “Nice To Each Other” by Olivia Dean; “Luther” by Kendrick Lamar and SZA; “Jump” by BLACKPINK; “Faithless” by Bruce Springsteen; “Pasayadan” by Ganavya; “Pending” by Lil Naay and Myke Towers; “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas” by Rosalía; “Metal” by The Beths; “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga; “Just Say Dat” by Gunna; and “The Giver” by Chappell Roan.
Other tracks include “Aurora” by Mora and De La Rose; “Silver Lining” by Laufey; “No More Old Men” by Chance the Rapper and Jamila Woods; “Bury Me” by Jason Isbell; “I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again” by Stacey Kent; “Please Don’t Cry” by Kacy Hill; “Stay” by ROE; “Never Felt Better” by Everything Is Recorded featuring Sampha and Florence Welch; and “In the Name of Love” by Victoria Noelle.
Also on the list are “Ancient Light” by I’m With Her; “Vitamina” by Jombriel, DFZM and Jetta; “Float” by Jay Som featuring Jim Adkins; “Ordinary” by Alex Warren; “Sycamore Tree” by Khamari; “Nokia” by Drake; and “En Privado” by Xavi and Manuel Turizo.
Movies
Obama’s favourite movies of 2025 include One Battle After Another, Sinners, It Was Just an Accident, Hamnet, Sentimental Value, No Other Choice, The Secret Agent, Train Dreams, Jay Kelly, Good Fortune, and Orwell: 2+2=5.
Books
His favourite books of the year 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.
Others include North Sun by Ethan Rutherford, 1929 by Andrew Ross Sorkin, The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny by Kiran Desai, Dead and Alive by Zadie Smith, What We Can Know by Ian McEwan, and The Look by Michelle Obama.
