Former US President Barack Obama has once again unveiled his summer playlist, featuring a diverse mix of artistes and songs that have caught his ear.
Among the standout tracks on his 2024 list is “Jump” by Tyla, Gunna, and Skillibeng.
In his annual tradition of sharing his favourite tunes, Obama highlighted his eclectic taste.
“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. I hope you find something new to listen to.”
Tyla, known for her hit song “Water” which topped Obama’s favourites in 2023, has once again captured his attention with “Jump“.
Tyla, Tems and Rema were some of the African artistes that he featured in his 2024 summer list.
Other artistes featured in Obama’s 2024 playlist include Charli XCX, Billie Eilish, Blackstreet featuring Dr. Dre & Queen Pen, H.E.R., Sting, and Bob Dylan, among others.
Obama 2024 summer reading list
The former President also shared his summer reading list which comprised of both fiction and non fiction.
“I’ve read some fantastic books over the past few months and wanted to share my favourites. Let me know if you have any recommendations!”
Fiction
- James by Percival Everett — Inspired by Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn
- Headshot by Rita Bullwinkel
- The God Of The Woods by Liz Moore
- Beautiful Daysby Zach Williams
- Martyr!by Kaveh Akbar
- Memory Pieceby Lisa Ko
- The Ministry Of Time by Kaliane Bradley
- Help Wantedby Adelle Waldman
Nonfiction
- There’s Always This Year: On Basketball And Ascension by Hanif Abdurragib — A look at the heights of success in basketball’s prime era, with a focus on LeBron James.
- Everyone Who Is Gone Here: The United States, Central America, And The Making Of A Crisis by Jonathan Blitzer
- Reading Genesis by Marilynne Robinson
- When The Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, And How America Cracked Up In The Early 1990s by John Ganz
- Of Boys And Men: Why The Modern Male Is Struggling, Why It Matters, And What To Do About It by Richard Reeves
- The Wide Wide Sea: Imperial Ambition, First Contact, and the Final Voyage of Captain James Cook by Hampton Sides
Obama’s 2023 selections
In 2023, Obama encouraged his followers to suggest more artistes or songs for him to explore.
“Here are some of my favourite songs from this year. Let me know if there are any artists or songs I should check out,” Obama posted on Instagram.
Among the standout tracks, South African musician Tyla’s hit song ‘Water’ secured a spot on the former president’s prestigious list.
From the Latin vibes of “TOG” by Karol G and Shakira to the soulful collaboration “I Remember Everything” by Zach Bryan featuring Kacey Musgraves.
Some of the mentions from Obama’s selection include Megan Thee Stallion’s “Cobra,” and “America Has A Problem” by Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.
He also mentioned Davido’s “Unavailable,” which is also Rihanna’s favourite given her latest interview.
Obama also gave a nod to emerging artistes. Tracks like “Midnight Gospel” by Ale Araya featuring Joseph Chilliams and “My Love Mine All Mine” by Mitski are featured in his list.
Fans of Burna Boy, Stormzy, and John Summit will be pleased to find their favourite artistes represented in Obama’s musical preferences.
The former president also recognizes the Amapiano wave and he loves Asake and Olamide’s hit collabo “Amapiano.”
Obama rounded out his top picks with tracks like “Road To Freedom” by Lenny Kravitz and “Me & U” by Tems.