YouTube has unveiled its 2025 Nigeria Year-in-Review, and this year’s list comes with major surprises across the music and entertainment landscape. Gospel singer Akinade “Gaise Baba” Ibuoye and Nollywood powerhouse Omoni Oboli emerged as the biggest stars, dominating the platform in their respective categories.
According to a statement signed by Addy Awofisayo, YouTube’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, the review highlights the music videos, creators, and content formats that shaped Nigerian viewing habits over the past year.
Gaise Baba Surges to No. 1 With “No Turning Back II”
In the music category, Gaise Baba made history as his hit track “No Turning Back II” featuring Lawrence Oyor topped the list as the most-watched Nigerian music video of 2025.
The gospel anthem, released in May, quickly gained momentum nationwide and garnered over 41 million views in six months, outperforming heavyweights like Wizkid, Davido, Rema, Olamide, and Shallipopi.
The song’s message of faith, hope, and spiritual revival resonated deeply with millions of Nigerians.
Top 10 Most-Watched YouTube Music Videos in Nigeria (2025)
- Gaise Baba – “No Turning Back II” ft. Lawrence Oyor
- Shallipopi – “Laho”
- Davido – “With You” ft. Omah Lay
- Olamide, Seyi Vibez, Asake & Young John – “Ninety Nine” ft. Daecolm
- Asake – “Why Love”
- Rema – “Baby Is It a Crime”
- Chella – “My Darling”
- Wizkid – “Kese (Dance)”
- Shallipopi ft. Burna Boy – “Laho II”
- Davido – “With You” ft. Omah Lay (Visualizer)
Omoni Oboli Tops 2025 Creator Rankings
In the creators’ category, Nollywood actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli claimed the No. 1 spot with her channel Omoni Oboli TV, which saw massive growth and engagement throughout the year. Her mix of relatable content, family vlogs, Nollywood stories, and lifestyle videos resonated strongly with Nigerian viewers.
Other top creators who made the list include:
- Ibrahim Yekini – Itelediconstudio
- Uchenna Mbunabo – Uchenna Mbunabo TV
- Aminu Saira – Saira Movies
- Maurice Sam – Maurice Sam TV
- Ruth Kadiri – RuthKadiri Two Four Seven
- ApataTV Plus
- Uche Montana – Uche Montana TV
- Sonia Uche – Sonia Uche TV
- Brain Jotter – Brain Jotter
A Year of Surprises and Shifting Trends
The 2025 YouTube rankings reveal a significant shift in Nigeria’s digital culture. Gospel music gained stronger mainstream traction, Nollywood creators maintained dominance, and new-age entertainers continued to reshape online storytelling.
With Gaise Baba and Omoni Oboli leading the chart, 2025 clearly showcased the diversity and evolution of Nigeria’s creative landscape.
