Nigerian Singers Tems and Rema Featured on Barack Obama’s 2024 Summer Playlist

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has unveiled his much-anticipated summer playlist for 2024, featuring 44 tracks from a diverse array of genres. This year, Nigerian artists Tems and Rema have made the prestigious list, marking another milestone in their successful careers.

Obama shared his playlist on Monday via X.com, expressing his eclectic taste in music. “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!” the former president wrote.

Tems and Rema are the only Nigerian artists to be featured on the 2024 list. Their inclusion continues the tradition of Nigerian musicians receiving recognition from Obama, following in the footsteps of artists like Wizkid and Tems in 2020, Burna Boy in 2022, and Ayra Starr in 2023. However, no Nigerian artist made it onto the 2021 playlist.

Other notable songs on Obama’s 2024 summer playlist include Shaboozey’s “A Bar Song (Tipsy)”, Charli XCX’s “365”, Billie Eilish’s “Chihiro”, Bob Marley’s “Them Belly Full”, Beyoncé’s “Texas Hold ‘Em”, The Miracles’ “You’ve Really Got a Hold on Me”, Samara Joy’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” featuring Pasquale Grasso, and Megan Thee Stallion’s “Wanna Be” featuring GloRilla.

Obama’s playlists have gained significant attention over the years, with many eagerly awaiting his selections. Last year, the former president confirmed that he personally curates the playlists, dispelling rumors that the task was delegated to someone else. Speaking with comedian Hasan Minhaj, Obama said, “I do! Listen. I am so glad that I have this opportunity. People believe the books and the movies, but the playlists, they somehow think — and this is mostly coming from young people like you — , y’all think you invented rock ‘n’ roll. You invented hip-hop.

“And so the fact that my lists are, you know, pretty incredible — people seem to think, well, he must’ve had some 20-year-old intern who was figuring out this latest cut. No, man! It’s on my iPad right now.”

The recognition from Obama’s playlist adds to the global visibility of Nigerian music, showcasing the influence and reach of artists like Tems and Rema on the international stage.