A Summer Tradition: Obama’s Playlist
Get ready to groove because former U.S. president Barack Obama has once again dropped his much-anticipated summer playlist, and it’s sizzling with global beats! This year, the spotlight shines on South Africa’s Tyla, alongside Nigeria’s chart-toppers Rema and Tems, who are all making waves on Obama’s eclectic lineup. Let’s dive into the highlights of this musical feast.
Rema: Bringing Back the Essence of Afrobeats
Rema’s track “Yayo” from his groundbreaking album Heis is turning heads. The artist himself describes the album as a return to the roots of Afrobeats, saying, “The success that has come with Afrobeats is slowly changing our perception of the sound. We’re listening to the voices of the world too much and we’ve got to listen to ourselves.” He adds, “This project is helping me bring back that essence, to bring back that energy.” Talk about a musical revolution!
Tems: Soulful and Sophisticated
Meanwhile, Tems‘ soulful single “Love Me Jeje,” which dropped in April to rave reviews, secured a spot on Obama’s playlist after her mesmerizing debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in May. Her unique voice and emotive performance have solidified her as a rising star worth watching.
Tyla and Shaboozey: Newcomers Making Waves
Tyla’s infectious hit “Jump” featuring Gunna and Skillibeng also made the cut. She wowed audiences with a stunning performance of the track at the 2024 BET Awards, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. Additionally, Shaboozey’s lively anthem “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is taking the world by storm, having topped the Billboard Hot 100 and racked up nearly 800 million streams on Spotify and YouTube Music.
A Treasure Trove of Musical Gems
Obama’s Summer Playlist, have always been a treasure trove of musical gems, shining a light on African artists like Shatta Wale, Pheelz, and Sampa The Great. Ayra Starr has also made her mark, with “Sability” in 2023 and “Rush” in Obama’s favorite music countdown of 2022, alongside Rema’s “Calm Down.” And let’s not forget Burna Boy’s “Last Last” and Tems’ “Vibes Out,” which were summer 2022 favorites. With such a diverse mix, Obama’s playlist is the ultimate soundtrack for your summer adventures!
