3 African artists make Obama’s annual Favorite Music list 2024

Former President Barack Obama has unveiled his highly anticipated list of favorite songs for 2024, spotlighting a diverse array of genres and artists. The annual playlist reflects Obama’s broad musical tastes, featuring hits from both established icons and emerging talents.

This year’s selection includes standout tracks like Asake’s “Active,” Rema’s “Yayo,” Billie Eilish’s “Lunch,” Kendrick Lamar’s “Squabble Up,” and Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em.” Rising stars also made an impression, with Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” and Jordan Adetunji’s “Kehlani”2 earning spots on the list.

Celebrating global music, Obama highlighted international hits such as Karol G’s “Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido” and FloyyMenor and Cris MJ’s “Gata Only.” African artists, including Rema, Tyla, and Asake, were prominently featured, reflecting the growing influence of African music on the global stage. The playlist spans hip-hop, R&B, jazz, and reggaeton, underscoring Obama’s appreciation for musical diversity.