Shatta Wale, Burna Boy, Wizkid make Obama's 2020 Summer Playlist

“Over the past few months, I’ve spent a lot of time listening to music with my family. I wanted to share some of my favourites from the summer  –  including songs from some of the artists performing at this week’s Democratic National Convention. As always, it’s a mix of genres that travels through various eras. I think there’s something in here for everybody  –  hope you enjoy it,” Obama said. 

Ghana’s Shatta Wale made his debut on the playlist with ‘Already’, the 2019 Beyoncé record he featured on, while Burna Boy, who released his new album Twice As Tall last week, clinched a spot for guesting on British singer Jorja Smith's ‘Be Honest’.

Wizkid’s recent single, ‘Smile’, featuring American R&B singer H.E.R, also made the selection, as did Davido and Tems for appearing on the remix of Khalid’s ‘Know Your Worth’. 

This year, Obama’s favourite songs also included songs by UK duo Young T & Bugsey as well as reggae icon Bob Marley. The annual list is a ritual that commenced during his time in the White House.

African acts who have previously made Obama’s favourite songs include all-female supergroup Les Amazones d’Afrique with their song ‘La Dame et Ses Valises’ in 2017, Jidenna with ‘Classic Man' in 2018, and fellow Nigerian singer Rema, whose ‘Iron Man’ was selected in 2019.