These African artistes made Barack Obama’s 2020 summer playlist

Francis Akhalbey August 18, 2020
Barack Obama's 2020 summer playlist features artists from Africa -- Left Photo via @barackobama on Instagram | Right Photo via @shattawalenima on Instagram

Barack Obama is continuing his annual ritual of sharing his favorite tunes to his followers on social media. As usual, this year’s playlist – which features a smorgasbord of artistes across the globe – is spot on and shows he truly has a great music taste.

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to music with my family,” the former president tweeted on Monday. “I wanted to share some of my favorites from the summer—including songs from some of the artists at this week’s @DemConvention. Hope you enjoy it.”

For this year’s playlist, the likes of Rihanna, Megan Thee Stallion, J. Cole, Teyana Taylor, Nigerian-American rapper Chika, and Jamaican dancehall acts, Popcaan and Koffee, made the list. Others also include artistes who are set to perform at this week’s Democratic National Convention, namely John Legend, Common, Jennifer Hudson, Billy Porter, Leon Bridges, Billie Eilish, Maggie Rogers and The Chicks.

A very diverse playlist, the 59-year-old also added some throwback songs, including Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley and The Wailers, I’ll Be Seeing You by Billie Holiday, My Baby Just Cares For Me by Nina Simone and Do I Do by Stevie Wonder.

The former president also spiced it up with tunes from African acts as well as those they featured on, such as King Already by Beyoncé featuring Major Lazer and Ghanaian dancehall sensation Shatta Wale, Know Your Worth Remix by Khalid & Disclosure featuring Nigerian acts Davido and Tems, Smile by Wizkid featuring H.E.R., as well as Jorja Smith’s collaborative effort with Burna Boy, Be Honest.

Besides doing the listening, Obama has also dropped a few lines on the mic, even hitting the Billboard charts along the way. Last year, he secured his first debut on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart with a feature on “One Last Time (44 Remix)“, which is off Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Hamilton musical, New York Daily News reported.

The song, which debuted at number 22, features Obama reading George Washington’s farewell speech. The track also features Gospel singer Bebe Winans as well as actor, musician and Hamilton cast member Christopher Jackson.

Last Edited by:Mildred Europa Taylor Updated: August 18, 2020

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