Gaise Baba, Shallipopi, Davido, Omoni Oboli lead YouTube Nigeria’s 2025 rankings as platform launches new recap tool

Shallipopi, Davido and Nollywood star Omoni Oboli topped YouTube Nigeria’s newly released 2025 rankings, as the platform rolls out its first-ever YouTube Recap feature, a personalised year-in-review experience for users.

The lists highlight the artists and creators who shaped Nigeria’s cultural landscape in 2025, from Afrobeats and gospel hits to blockbuster digital storytelling.

The music chart was led by ‘No Turning Back II’ by Gaise Baba and Lawrence Oyor, which claimed the No. 1 spot, while Shallipopi dominated with ‘Laho’ and ‘Laho II’ alongside Burna Boy. Davido’s ‘With You’ featuring Omah Lay appeared twice on the Top 10 list in both its official video and visualizer versions, underscoring his sustained digital influence. Other major performers included Olamide, Asake, Rema, Seyi Vibez, Young John, Chella and Wizkid.

Read also: Wizkid is the most-streamed artist on Spotify Nigeria 2025

Nollywood creators delivered equally strong performances. Omoni Oboli TV led YouTube Nigeria’s Top 10 Creators list, driven by high-engagement dramas and serial content. Close behind were Itelediconstudio, Uchenna Mbunabo TV, Saira Movies, Maurice Sam TV, RuthKadiri247, and APATATV+, reflecting Nollywood’s growing dominance on digital platforms. Comedy sensation Brain Jotter rounded out the list, highlighting the rising popularity of comedic short-form storytelling.

Speaking on the milestone, Omoni Oboli said topping the creators’ chart was both humbling and affirming. According to her, the shift to digital storytelling has allowed Nollywood filmmakers to connect with audiences in ways traditional platforms never fully allowed. “YouTube has become a home for us, a place where our stories reach millions without barriers. For me, every episode, every series we put out is about giving people heartfelt stories they can see themselves in. So seeing the channel grow this way tells me the audience is truly responding,” she said.

Oboli added that the recognition reinforces her team’s commitment to elevating production quality and experimenting with fresh formats. She noted that many Nigerians are now discovering Nollywood primarily through YouTube, making consistency and authenticity more important than ever. “This ranking isn’t just about numbers, it is a sign that Nigerian digital cinema is entering a new phase. We are proving that homegrown stories, made with passion and intention, can stand shoulder to shoulder with global content. And we are only just getting started,” she explained.

Alongside the rankings, YouTube introduced YouTube Recap, giving users a personalised, shareable breakdown of their year on the platform. The feature highlights one’s top-watched creators, viewing habits and even assigns viewers one of 14 fun Personality Types based on their interests. Users can also find out if they rank within the top 25 percent fans of their favourite creators.

Read also: Spotify Wrapped 2025 is here, see your top songs, podcasts, and listening age

Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, said the lists affirm Nigeria’s global cultural impact. “Nigeria’s creative energy is undeniable, and this year’s lists prove that the nation’s artists and storytellers are creating content that resonates globally. With YouTube Recap, we’re excited to give every user a personal way to celebrate their year,” she said.

With chart-topping musicians, influential Nollywood creators and a new personalised digital feature, YouTube says 2025 marks another milestone in Nigeria’s fast-evolving entertainment ecosystem.