Barack Obama’s 2024 summer playlist features Nigerian stars Tems and Rema, highlighting the global influence of Afrobeat. Their tracks, "Love Me Jeje" and "Yayo," are among 44 songs selected. Obama's annual playlist blends legendary and contemporary artists, showcasing his diverse musical taste and celebrating the richness of global music culture.
Barack Obama has unveiled his much-anticipated 2024 summer playlist, with Nigerian artists Tems and Rema making notable appearances. Obama, known for his eclectic musical taste, shared a selection of 44 songs on X (formerly Twitter), capturing a diverse range of genres. Tems’ hit “Love Me Jeje” and Rema’s track “Yayo” are the only Nigerian songs on this year's list, highlighting the global appeal of Afrobeat music.
Obama’s playlist also features legendary acts such as Bob Marley with “Them Belly Full,” Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em,” and classic tracks like The Miracles’ “You’ve Really Got A Hold On Me.” Newer artists also cut, including Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be,” featuring GloRilla.
In his post, Obama expressed his hope that listeners would discover new music through his selections. “With summer winding down, I wanted to share some songs that I’ve been listening to lately – and it wouldn’t be my playlist if it didn’t include an eclectic mix,” he wrote, emphasizing the diversity of his choices.
This annual tradition started during Obama’s presidency when he collaborated with Spotify to curate his favorite tracks. Over the years, Nigerian artists like Wizkid, Burna Boy, and Ayra Starr have been featured on his playlist, reflecting the growing influence of Nigerian music on the global stage. Notably, 2021 was the only year in recent memory when no Nigerian artist was included in Obama’s summer picks.
