- Former U.S. President Barack Obama has released his 2025 list of favorite books, movies, and music, featuring Nigerian Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Olamide.
- Burna Boy’s Tatata and Olamide’s 99 made the list alongside Obongjayar’s Not In Surrender and tracks by global stars such as Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Lady Gaga, and Drake, highlighting the continued global influence of Afrobeats.
Former U.S. President Barack Obama has released his annual lists of favorite books, movies, and music for 2025, with Nigerian Afrobeats stars Burna Boy and Olamide making the cut.
Burna Boy’s “Tatata” (featuring Travis Scott) and Olamide’s “99” (featuring Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake, and Young John) were featured alongside British-Nigerian singer Obongjayar’s “Not In Surrender.” Other global names on the list include Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Lady Gaga, and Drake.
Sharing the collection on X, Obama wrote: “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 favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy.”
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 favorite books, movies, and music. I hope you find something new to enjoy—and please send any recommendations for me to check out! pic.twitter.com/T9LFt5fnKG
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) December 18, 2025
