Reggae Features Big on Obama’s Annual Playlist

Former President Barack Obama, in publishing his now annual summer music playlist, has again selected Jamaican reggae artists.

This year his list of 53 songs feature three Jamaicans: Koffee who was on his 2019 list, with her collaboration “Don’t Walk Away” with John Legend at number 3;  Popcaan’s ‘Party Next Door’ at 14, and the late Bob Marley’s popular hit, “Could You Be Loved” placed 16 on the list.

“Don’t Walk Away” is among five collaborations on John Legend’s sixth studio album, When Bigger Love, which bears the Columbia Records imprint. Koffee is signed to the American label, which is owned by Sony Entertainment.

This is the second time Koffee is making Obama’s summer playlist. Last year, her hit ”Toast” was at number 28 among his 44 songs.

Koffee won the Best Reggae Album Grammy for her Rapture EP in February.

- Advertisement -

“Party Next Door” forms part of Popcaan’s recently Released  Fixtape, produced by Creep Chromatic. The 19-track project features Skillibeng as well as other international acts like French Montana and Drake.

Popcaan is currently signed to OVO, a company owned by Canadian rapper Drake.

Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Loved,” was released in 1980 on his Uprising album.

In posting his playlist on Instagram last week, Obama noted the songs on his list were all favorites of his wife, Michelle, and his two daughters, Malia and Sasha.

“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 favorites from the summer––including songs from some of the artists performing at this week’s @DemConvention. 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 wrote.

More Stories

Grenada’s Opposition leader Dr Keith Mitchell says he will not be seeking re-election

Former Grenada Prime Minister Keith Mitchell collapses during political meeting

Former Grenadian Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell collapsed on Monday evening while addressing supporters of the New National Party (NNP) at a political meeting...
Suriname Joins World Bank's International Development Association as Newest Member

Local World Bank employees in Jamaica now exempt from income tax

In a move that reinforces Jamaica’s relationship with the World Bank, the Senate passed legislation on March 14 exempting locally recruited World Bank employees...
Vishnu Dhanpaul Trinidad cabinet

New Trinidad PM Stuart Young announces new cabinet appointments

Newly-appointed Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago Stuart Young has unveiled his Cabinet, introducing several new appointments while retaining many key ministers. The official announcement...
Bahamas Health Minister

Bahamas Health Minister defends Cuban health workers amid US criticism

Health Minister Dr. Michael Darville has defended the presence of Cuban health workers in The Bahamas, emphasizing their crucial role in the country’s optometry...
Walshy Fire

Jamaican-American producer Walshy Fire unveils new book ‘Art of Dancehall’

Grammy-winning producer and Major Lazer DJ Walshy Fire is adding "author" to his already impressive résumé. The Jamaican-American DJ, born Paul Walsh, has announced...
Trinidad Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley

Dr. Keith Rowley calls for Trinidad to leave Privy Council in final address as PM

Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley used his final address in office to make a passionate case for Trinidad and Tobago’s exit from the...
Stuart Young

Stuart Young sworn in as Trinidad and Tobago’s 8th Prime Minister

In a historic ceremony at the President's House this morning, Stuart Young was sworn in as the 8th Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago,...
Horace Chang Jamaica

Jamaica on track for historic low murder rate, says Minister Chang

Jamaica could be on track to record fewer than 1,000 murders in a single year for the first time in recent history, as the...
Guyana G7

G7 condemns Venezuela’s naval threats against Guyana

The G7 nations have issued a strong rebuke to Venezuela over its continued naval incursions into Guyana’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), calling them “unacceptable”...
Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright

Senators Audrey Marks, Delano Seiveright appointed to ministerial roles

Jamaica's Prime Minister Andrew Holness has appointed two newly sworn-in government senators, Audrey Marks and Delano Seiveright, to ministerial positions, reinforcing his Administration’s focus...

Latest Articles

Skip to content