For nearly a decade, Barack Obama has turned his personal listening habits into a cultural moment. The former U.S. president began publicly sharing his playlists in the mid-2010s, starting with summer selections that reflected what he was enjoying off the clock.
He would release lists of his favourite movies, music and books and since then, it has become an annual tradition that is eagerly anticipated, widely debated, and praised for their range across generations, genres, and continents.
The 2025 playlist continues that streak as it blends pop, hip-hop, rock, folk, Latin, Afrobeats, K-pop, and global sounds. 
According to some, it shows Obama’s consistent taste for both chart-toppers and thoughtful songwriting.
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African Artists on Obama’s 2025 Playlist
African musicians once again earned notable spots on the music list, reinforcing the continent’s growing influence on global pop culture.
1. Burna Boy – “Tatata” (ft. Travis Scott)
Nigeria’s Grammy-winning star appears with a high-energy Afrofusion record that blends African rhythms with global hip-hop appeal.
2. Olamidé – “99” (ft. Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young Jonn)
A heavyweight collaboration from the Nigerian rap icon, showcasing street-inspired lyricism and the current Afrobeats wave.
3. Obongjayar – “Not In Surrender”
The UK-based Nigerian artist delivers an emotional, genre-fluid track that reflects resilience and artistic depth.
African music remains a consistent feature on Obama’s playlists, and 2025 was no exception. However, in a surprise to many fans, Davido and Wizkid, two of the artists often regarded as part of Afrobeats’ “big three”, did not make this year’s list.
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The Full List: Barack Obama’s Favorite Music of 2025
- Nice to Each Other – Olivia Dean
- Luther – Kendrick Lamar & SZA
- Tatata – Burna Boy ft. Travis Scott
- Jump – BLACKPINK
- Faithless – Bruce Springsteen
- Pasayadan – Ganavya
- 99 – Olamidé ft. Daecolm, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young Jonn
- Pending – Lil Naay & Myke Towers
- Sexo, Violencia y Llantas – Rosalía
- Metal – The Beths
- Abracadabra – Lady Gaga
- Just Say Dat – Gunna
- The Giver – Chappell Roan
- Aurora – Mora & De La Rose
- Silver Lining – Laufey
- No More Old Men – Chance the Rapper & Jamila Woods
- Bury Me – Jason Isbell
- I Wish I Could Go Travelling Again – Stacey Kent
- Please Don’t Cry – Kacy Hill
- Stay – ROE
- Never Felt Better – Everything Is Recorded ft. Sampha & Florence Welch
- In the Name of Love – Victoria Noelle
- Ancient Light – I’m With Her
- Vitamina – Jombriel, DFZM & Jøtta
- Float – Jay Som ft. Jim Adkins
- Ordinary – Alex Warren
- Sycamore Tree – Khamari
- Nokia – Drake
- En Privado – Xavi & Manuel Turizo
- Not In Surrender – Obongjayar
In the end, Obama’s 2025 playlist feels less like a celebrity list and more like a shuffle from someone who genuinely loves music. His taste blends popular favourites with those that are less known. Finally, Obama’s selection reminds us that good music has no borders.
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