Barack Obama’s playlist is a collection of songs that the former US president likes to listen to during different seasons or occasions. He usually shares his playlist on social media, such as Twitter or Instagram, and also on Spotify. His playlist covers a wide range of genres, artists, and eras, and reflects his eclectic taste and appreciation for music.
With the arrival of the former US president’s latest playlist, here is a long list of some African musicians that have appeared in any edition of the annual list so far.
1. Burna Boy
The Nigerian Grammy-winning superstar has made it on Obama’s playlist three times. In 2020, he was featured for his song ‘Anybody’ from his African Giant album. In 2022, he was featured again for his song ‘Last Last’ from his Love, Damini album. In 2023, he was featured for his song ‘Sittin’ on Top of the World’ featuring 21 Savage, which won a Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.
2. Ayra Starr
The Nigerian singer and songwriter made her debut on Obama’s playlist in 2023, with her song ‘Sability’. She also appeared on the list in 2022 with ‘Rush’.
3. Wizkid
The Nigerian Afrobeats star has been featured on Obama’s playlist twice. In 2020, he was featured for his song ‘Smile’ featuring H.E.R. In 2022, he was featured for his song ‘Essence’ featuring Tems, which became a global hit and featured Justin Bieber on the remix.
4. Tems
The Nigerian alt-R&B singer and producer made her debut on Obama’s playlist in 2022, with her collaboration with Wizkid on ‘Essence’. The song was hailed as one of the best songs of the year by various publications and platforms.
5. Pheelz
The Nigerian producer and singer made his debut on Obama’s playlist in 2022, with his song ‘Finesse’ featuring BNXN. The song is a groovy afrobeat tune that showcases Pheelz’s versatility and talent.
6. BNXN
7. Davido
The Nigerian Afrobeats star made his debut on Obama’s playlist in 2022, with his collaboration with Khalid and Tems on the ‘Know Your Worth (Remix)’. The song is a motivational afrobeat track that encourages self-love and confidence.
8. Rema
The Nigerian singer and rapper made his debut on Obama’s playlist in 2019, with his song ‘Iron Man’ from his Rema EP. The song is a fusion of afrobeat, pop and R&B, and showcases Rema’s smooth vocals and catchy melodies.
9. Sampa the Great
The Zambian-born, Australian-based rapper and singer made her debut on Obama’s playlist in 2022, with her song ‘Energy’ featuring Nadeem Din-Gabisi. The song is a soulful hip hop track that celebrates the power of women and African spirituality. She was also featured on the Michelle Obama Playlist in 2021, with her song ‘Freedom’.
10. Shatta Wale
The Ghanaian dancehall star made his debut on Obama’s playlist in 2020, with his collaboration with Beyoncé and Major Lazer on ‘Already’. The song is a vibrant afrobeat and dancehall fusion that was part of Beyoncé’s The Lion King: The Gift album and Black Is King visual album.
11. Little Simz
Last, but certainly not least is British-Nigerian rapper and singer Little Simz whose”one life, might live” is an undeniable banger.