Former president of the US, Barack Obama, has shared his favorite songs of this summer, featuring songs by Nigerian musicians Tems, Pheelz and Burna Boy.
The annual playlist, dubbed “Barack Obama’s 2022 Summer Playlist,” is now available on Spotify and includes 44 songs from a variety of genres. The choice is part of a tradition that began during his presidency and comes simultaneously with his favourite list of books, films and TV shows of the year.
He writes, “Every year, I get excited to share my summer playlist because I learn about so many new artists from your replies—it’s an example of how music really can bring us all together. Here’s what I’ve been listening to this summer. What songs would you add?”
Tems’ “Vibe Out,” Burna Boy’s Toni Braxton-sampling “Last Last,” and “Finesse” by Nigerian record producer Pheelz (featuring BNXN fka Buju) makes the list of “age-appropriate, adventurous (but not too adventurous) and family-friendly music that uniformly has a positive or socially relevant message”, Variety describes.
Tems released “Vibe Out” as a single off her sophomore EP “If Orange Was A Place.” This is however the 3rd time Tems has made an appearance on the former head of state’s list. In 2021 she made her second appearance as a featured artiste on Wizkid’s “Essence”, earlier she was selected for appearing on the remix of Khalid’s ‘Know Your Worth’ alongside Davido.
“Last Last” was released 13 May 2022 as the first single from Burna Boy’s sixth studio album, Love, Damini. The song contains samples of American singer Toni Braxton’s 2000 single, “He Wasn’t Man Enough”. Burna Boy notably performed the song at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards two days after its release.
“Finesse” by Pheelz was commercially released on 3 March 2022. The song was produced by Miichkel and features vocals from Nigerian Afro-fusion singer Bnxn (fka Buju). During its debut week, the record gained popularity across TikTok in Europe and America, with the #FolakeChallenge hashtag. It debuted at number 131 on the Billboard Global 200, and at number 106 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart.
