On a pleasant Friday afternoon around 3:00 pm on December 29th, 2023, the musical aficionado and former US President Barack Obama delighted fans with the release of his much-anticipated 2023 playlist, titled "Barack Obama's Favorite Music of 2023.
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Comprising an eclectic selection of 28 songs that traverse continents and genres, the playlist serves as a testament to Obama's profound appreciation for music that transcends borders and biases. This inclination towards the global arts scene, be it in music, movies, or literature, has long been a hallmark of the former President's cultural sensibilities.
Notably, the playlist features a nod to the recent global success of Afrobeats, a genre that has been making waves worldwide. While it might not come as a surprise to many Africans, given the genre's recent achievements, there is a noteworthy twist in Obama's selection of Afrobeat songs.
Afrobeats, synonymous with the vibrant sounds of Nigeria, finds representation in the playlist through some of the country's top talents. Leading the charge is Davido, whose Grammy-nominated hit "Unavailable," from the Timeless album and featuring South African star Musa Keys, secured a well-deserved spot on the list.
Burna Boy, another Nigerian sensation, contributes to the playlist with his insightful track "Sitting on Top of the World," featuring American rapper 21 Savage. Asake, a member of the YBNL family, also earns a spot with "Amapiano," a song with an Amapiano theme, featuring his mentor Olamide.
Rounding off the Nigerian contingent is the Grammy-winning vocalist Tems, whose recent chart-topper "Me & U" adds a touch of soulful elegance to Obama's curated selection.
While many Nigerians see this as a validation of the tremendous growth in their music industry, some are left wondering why their personal favorites didn't make the cut. Nevertheless, in the spirit of celebrating the diversity of Afrobeats, it's worth noting that South Africa's rising star Tyla also graces the playlist with her Grammy-nominated track "Water," further highlighting the genre's global impact.
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