The global rise of Afrobeats continues its unstoppable momentum, and this time it’s on the biggest football video game platform in the world—EA Sports FC.
Nigerian music heavyweights Rema, Shallipopi, and Omah Lay have been featured on the EA Sports FC 25 official soundtrack, marking another milestone for African music on a global stage.With their inclusion, the trio joins a prestigious list of Nigerian artists who’ve graced the EA soundtracks before them, following in the footsteps of Burna Boy, Fireboy DML, and BNXN, further cementing Afrobeats’ global impact.
For its 25th edition, EA Sports FC, known for its cutting-edge football simulations, continues its tradition of blending music with the beautiful game. This year, the soundtrack is packed with 117 songs from around the world, and Afrobeats takes center stage with two powerful tracks. Rema’s hit single “Benin Boys” featuring Shallipopi from his 2024 album HEIS and Omah Lay’s chart-topper “Moving” are among the standout tracks that have found their way into the hearts of gamers and music lovers alike.
This moment also marks Rema’s return to EA after his debut on FIFA 21’s VOLTA Football soundtrack with his 2020 hit “Beamer”. Meanwhile, it’s the first time Shallipopi and Omah Lay are making their mark on the EA FC series.
Afrobeats’ rise to the global scene is no surprise, but having these three Nigerian stars featured in one of the most anticipated video games of the year highlights the genre’s rapid growth. The inclusion of “Benin Boys” not only underscores Rema’s dynamic sound but also shines a light on Shallipopi’s unique style, while Omah Lay’s “Moving” adds depth and diversity to the soundtrack.
As Nigerian artists continue to make global waves, their music is being woven into experiences that transcend traditional listening platforms. EA Sports FC’s soundtrack, carefully curated by Steve Schnur and his team, offers gamers an immersive experience that connects football and music on a deeper level.
EA Sports FC 25’s soundtrack is designed to be a celebration of global sounds, and the Nigerian contingent is joined by international stars like Pa Salieu, Disclosure, Ice Spice, and Moonchild Sanelly from South Africa. Iconic names like Billie Eilish and J Balvin also make appearances, alongside lesser-known rising stars, making the soundtrack a mix of familiar favorites and exciting new sounds.
The soundtrack also features unreleased tracks from Coldplay and Delfina Dib, showcasing EA Sports FC’s commitment to keeping the game’s audio experience fresh and unpredictable.
This moment is much bigger than just a couple of songs on a game soundtrack. It’s a testament to the incredible journey Nigerian music has taken over the years, moving from local airwaves to global stages, and now dominating in spaces like EA Sports FC—a game with a massive, diverse global fanbase. Shallipopi, Omah Lay, and Rema are helping to push Afrobeats further into the mainstream, giving gamers worldwide a taste of Nigeria’s vibrant musical scene.
As Afrobeats continues to gain ground internationally, the genre’s growing presence in such a high-profile space highlights how far African music has come—and how far it can still go.
