When Barack Obama hits ‘post’ on his annual Favourite Songs list, he isn’t just sharing a playlist. The former U.S President is issuing a State-of-the-Union address on the current landscape of global music. It’s a curated tradition that carries a lot of cultural weight. For the class of 2025, the verdict is clear: Afrobeats is no longer a guest at the table; it is setting the menu.

The 44th President’s 2025 list, released via his verified social media channels this week, serves as a definitive nod to the sheer versatility of Africa’s biggest musical export. This year, Obama’s affinity for Nigerian music feels more personal than ever, largely due to his deep dive into the roots of the sound. Earlier this year, the former President’s media company, Higher Ground, in collaboration with Audible, released the landmark 12-part documentary podcast series, Fela Kuti: Fear No Man. Hosted by Jad Abumrad, the series features Obama not just as an executive producer, but as an active interviewee, reflecting on the “musical genius” of the Afrobeat pioneer.

In the series, Obama draws direct parallels between Fela’s bold expression and the poAt the summit of this year’s selection sits “TATATA,” the collaboration between Burna Boy and Travis Scott, off his Grammy-nominated album No Sign of Weakness. It’s a track that fuses the African Giant’s rhythmic ethos with Travis’ psychedelic Houston trap.

However, the real talking point of the list is the inclusion of “99”. “99” is a star-studded Afrobeats single released by Nigerian hip-hop legend Olamide, as a lead track from his self-titled eleventh studio album, Olamidé. Produced by Yung Willis, the song features a sensational collaboration with Asake, Seyi Vibez, Young Jonn, and British-Nigerian singer Daecolm. The song was an immediate commercial success, reaching number one on both Apple Music and Spotify Nigeria shortly after its release.

The inclusion of the song on Obama’s list, means the former president is looking far beyond the gloss of Western-facing pop and straight into the “Street-Pop” movement that is currently defining the continent.

Adding a layer of intellectual cool to the list is London-based Nigerian singer Obongjayar’s “Not In Surrender.” Obongjayar has long been the “artist’s artist,” a purveyor of genre-bending compositions that’s sometimes difficult to categorise. His presence here provides the list with its soul and confirms that the Nigerian diaspora in London continues to push the boundaries of what African music can sound like. We remember the 2019 list, where a young Rema first broke through with “Iron Man,” a moment that many cite as the official starting gun for the Mavin prodigy’s international ascent. In 2020 and 2021, the “Obama Bump” became a rite of passage for Wizkid and Tems, whose cultural phenomenon “Essence” famously occupied a permanent spot on the former President’s year-end playlist. The inclusion helped solidify “Essence” as a global crossover hit before it reached its peak on the Billboard charts in 2021 Earlier in 2020, Wizkid’s single “Smile” featuring H.E.R. was included in Obama’s summer playlist.

Burna Boy himself is a repeat offender, with “Last Last” making the cut in 2022, while Ayra Starr previously earned her stripes on the list with the infectious “Rush.” Even Pheelz and BNXN (Buju) have felt the glow of the 44th US president’s spotlight in years past.

For decades, MTV was more than a broadcaster; it was a cultural beacon. It shaped how generations discovered music, trends, fashion, and youth identity.

Iconic moments from MTV Unplugged to debuting breakthrough videos became part of music history.

However, the company has taken a new direction by axing five of its major music channels.
MTV’s music channels have reportedly seen dwindling viewership in recent years – a declining trend that advertising revenue and budgets simply cannot ignore.

Paramount Global is reportedly seeking cost cuts of up to US$500 million across its portfolio. The merger with Skydance Media also exerts financial pressure to consolidate legacy operations.

A source told The UK Sun: “It’s a dark day for the music industry.

“MTV was once an industry powerhouse, but now it is a total shell of its former self.”

The decision reflects a broader truth: audiences no longer wait for music videos on TV

Streaming platforms, social media short clips, and on-demand video services now dominate how we consume music.

On social media platforms like X, the announcement has provoked waves of nostalgia. Many lament that younger generations will never know MTV’s formative power.

One fan wrote: “When I was a kid, I never thought I’d see the day MTV is gone .. RIP”

While the music channels are shutting down, MTV as a brand will live on through digital platforms, streaming, events, and perhaps new formats. Still, for many, the closing of those five music channels marks the end of a television era that once defined how the world experienced music together.

After 10 weeks of 29 housemates supplying viewers with unlimited drama, fun, controversies, emotions, evictions, and one disqualification, Imisi has been declared the winner of the 10th season of the Big Brother Naija reality show. Considered one of the strongest contenders for the Big Brother Naija 10/10 edition, Imisi’s win is a testament to her popularity among viewers who were endeared to her relatable personality.

As the winner of the 10th season of Big Brother Naija, Imisi will be going home with a whopping ₦150 million, among other prizes she won during her 10 weeks in the house. Opeyemi Ayanwale Imisioluwa, the 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo state, made a name for herself on the show as a housemate who thrives on challenges, seeks excitement, and embraces every opportunity to show her depth.

Imisi stole the hearts of millions with her unfiltered charm, radiant energy, and that unmistakable “real girl” appeal that glued fans to their screens.

Dubbed the Queen of Vibes, Imisi defied the odds in a season packed with drama, betrayals, and fierce rivalries. While others plotted and schemed, she stayed true to herself, and it paid off BIG time.

Her loyal army of supporters, proudly known as the Imistars, went all out, flooding the internet with love and votes.

Even when critics mocked her “Sapa” strategy and street-smart antics, Imisi turned the tables with laughter, light, and pure charisma. She proved that simplicity is indeed the ultimate sophistication.

Now ₦150 million richer, the People’s Champ is ready to take her good vibes global, with big plans in comedy, brand endorsements, and content creation.

Imisi becomes the fourth woman to win the popular reality show. Fans will be expecting her to go on to pursue her dreams of being a famous fashion designer and screen star.