As former US President Barack Obama unveils his annual summer playlist, two Nigerian artistes appear conspicuous even as the Big 3 are conspicuously absent.
While the missing Big 3 are Burna Boy, Wizkid and Davido, Rema and Tems made the Obama list that showcases what is described as an eclectic mix of 44 songs from various genres.
No one can doubt the great standing of Rema and Tems but some could wonder how none of the songs of the trio as well as that of Asake did not meet the presidential curator’s taste.
Obama says as he shared the playlist, “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 list features a diverse range of artists, including Billie Eilish, Charli XCX, Bob Marley, and Beyoncé.
‘The Nation’ reports that this is not the first time Nigerian artists have been featured on Obama’s playlist.
Wizkid and Tems were included in 2020, followed by Burna Boy in 2022 and Ayra Starr in 2023.
He stated : “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 — somehow, 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.”
