Former US President Barack Obama has once again spotlighted the global rise of Afrobeats in his 2025 end-of-year cultural roundup
In his annual playlist of favourite songs, shared on social media Thursday evening, Obama included tracks by Nigerian stars Burna Boy and Olamide Baddo. The move continues a tradition he started while in office of releasing his top books, movies, and music each year.
“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 2025 music list features 30 tracks spanning pop, hip-hop, indie, and world music. Highlights include Burna Boy’s “TaTaTa,” featuring Travis Scott, and Olamide’s “99,” a collaboration with Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British singer Daecolm. Nigerian London-based singer Obongjayar also makes the list with “Not In Surrender.”
Obama’s nod to Nigerian artistes generated excitement on social media, underscoring Afrobeats’ growing global influence. He had similarly recognized Nigerian music in 2024, including Rema’s “Yayo” and Asake’s “Active” featuring Travis Scott.
“TaTaTa,” released May 21, 2025, via Atlantic Records, is the fourth single from Burna Boy’s eighth studio album, No Sign of Weakness, blending Afro-fusion and trap. Olamide’s “99,” released in June 2025 from his eleventh studio album Olamidé, celebrates themes of wealth, fun, and carefree living.
Other notable tracks on the list include Olivia Dean’s “Nice To Each Other,” Kendrick Lamar and SZA’s “Luther,” BLACKPINK’s “Jump,” Bruce Springsteen’s “Faithless,” Rosalía’s “Sexo, Violencia y Llantas,” Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra,” Gunna’s “Just Say Dat,” and Drake’s “Nokia,” among others.
On films, Obama’s favourites 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.
His top books of the year feature Beth Macy’s Paper Girl, Susan Choi’s Flashlight, Jill Lepore’s We the People, Angela Flournoy’s The Wilderness, and Brian Goldstone’s There Is No Place for Us, alongside works by Ethan Rutherford, Andrew Ross Sorkin, Kiran Desai, Zadie Smith, Ian McEwan, and Michelle Obama.
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