YouTube Nigeria Reveals 2025 Year-in-Review: Gaise Baba and Omoni Oboli Top the Charts
YouTube has unveiled its official 2025 Nigeria Year-in-Review, highlighting the music videos, digital creators, and entertainment content that dominated the platform over the past year.
In the music category, gospel singer Akinade “Gaise Baba” Ibuoye emerged as a standout figure with his viral hit “No Turning Back II” featuring Lawrence Oyor. Released in mid-May, the video amassed over 41 million views in just six months, securing its spot as the most-streamed Nigerian music video of the year.
Other top-performing music videos in Nigeria included:
Shallipopi – “Laho”
Davido – “With You” featuring Omah Lay
Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake, and Young John – “Ninety Nine” featuring Daecolm
Asake – “Why Love”
Rema – “Baby Is It a Crime”
Chella – “My Darling”
Wizkid – “Kese (Dance)”
Shallipopi featuring Burna Boy – “Laho II”
In the creator space, Nollywood actress Omoni Oboli claimed the top spot with Omoni Oboli TV, cementing her influence in the digital content arena. Other notable creators included Ibrahim Yekini (Itelediconstudio), Uchenna Mbunabo (Uchenna Mbunabo TV), Aminu Saira (Saira Movies), Maurice Sam (Maurice Sam TV), and Ruth Kadiri (RuthKadiri Two Four Seven).
YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, Addy Awofisayo, announced the review in a statement, praising the creativity and engagement of Nigerian audiences.
Opinion: A Testament to the Power of Nigerian Creativity
The 2025 YouTube Year-in-Review confirms what many have observed for years: Nigerian music and digital content are not just local phenomena—they are global forces.
Gaise Baba’s success is particularly notable because it highlights the growing appetite for gospel and inspirational music among younger audiences, a space traditionally dominated by secular pop and Afrobeats. Garnering over 41 million views in six months is no small feat, proving that quality content paired with relatable messages can transcend genre boundaries.
Meanwhile, Omoni Oboli’s achievement underscores the rising importance of digital platforms for Nollywood actors and creators. Her ability to attract and sustain audiences on YouTube demonstrates that storytelling has no limits—whether it’s through films, lifestyle content, or behind-the-scenes insights.
In essence, the review serves as a reminder: Nigeria’s creative industry is thriving across multiple fronts, from music to digital content. With platforms like YouTube, artists and creators now have a global stage to share their craft, innovate, and influence millions—proving that the future of entertainment in Nigeria is brighter than ever.
