…With Naija music
It is a thing of pride and joy today to see how our musical youths are strutting their stuff on stage, storming the whole world with Nigerian pop music christened Afrobeats, scoring with dance-floor anthems like “Calm Down” by Rema, “Love Nwantiti” by CKay and “Essence” by Wizkid featuring Tems. To say that Nigeria has taken over musically is no exaggeration. From Lagos to London, New York to Tokyo, you hear our beats everywhere. It’s a huge source of pride for us! And guess what? Even a very important person like former US President Barack Obama is a big fan of our sound, especially songs by Nigerian Afrobeats stars.
You might know that Mr. Obama, since he left the White House, loves to share lists of his favourite things – books, movies, and most importantly for us, music. These lists are a big deal because when someone as famous as him mentions an artist, it shines a huge spotlight on them. And over the years, our Nigerian Afrobeats artists have found themselves shining bright on his famous playlists. Let’s talk about why this is so cool and what it tells us about President Obama’s taste in music.
First, Obama has always shown that he loves many different types of music. He’s not stuck on just one style. He likes old-school American music like soul, R&B, and jazz – the kind of music your parents or grandparents might listen to. Think of legends like Stevie Wonder or Marvin Gaye. These are the sounds that tell stories of American history and struggles, just like many of our own songs tell stories of Nigeria. His willingness to sing a line or two from Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” a few years ago showed how much he truly enjoys this kind of music.
But here’s where it gets interesting for us: even with his love for classic sounds, Obama is always looking for what’s new and fresh. And that’s where Afrobeats comes in. He doesn’t just listen to the old; he keeps up with the new.
Our Nigerian Afrobeats stars have become a regular feature on his annual playlists. We’re talking about artists like Burna Boy, Rema, Asake, Davido, Wizkid, and Tems. Their names pop up again and again. This isn’t just a one-time thing; it shows a real, ongoing appreciation.
For example, Rema’s hit song “Yayo” or “Calm Down” have appeared on his lists, showing how much he likes Rema’s unique sound. Asake, with his blend of traditional Nigerian sounds and modern beats, also caught Obama’s ear, especially with his collaborations, like “Active” with American rapper Travis Scott. Burna Boy and Tems, who have both won Grammy Awards and are known globally, have also been praised by Obama through his playlists. And don’t forget Davido and Wizkid, who have been at the forefront of bringing Afrobeats to the world stage for years.
Why does he like Afrobeats so much? Well, Afrobeats is special. It’s a mix of West African rhythms, catchy melodies, and influences from hip-hop and R&B. It’s music that makes you want to dance, but it also often carries important messages. For someone like Obama, who has a strong connection to his African roots (his father was from Kenya), this music likely feels very authentic and meaningful. It’s a way for him to connect with a part of his heritage and also to celebrate the amazing creativity coming out of Africa.
Think about it: when a former US President, one of the most famous people in the world, puts a Nigerian song on his list, it’s like giving that song and that artist a huge thumbs-up to the whole world. It makes people who might not have heard of Afrobeats curious. They go and listen, and suddenly, our music gains new fans in different countries. This helps our artists become even bigger stars globally. It’s a big win for Nigerian music!
It also shows that music doesn’t have borders. You don’t have to be from Nigeria to enjoy Afrobeats. The beats, the energy, the stories – they connect with people everywhere, no matter their language or background. Obama’s playlists prove this point perfectly. He’s listening to American pop stars, jazz legends, and then right there, a song from Lagos. It just shows how rich and diverse music can be.
Some people might say, “Oh, maybe his team just picks these songs for him, it’s all for show.” But Obama has said himself that he actually listens to and chooses the songs. He even talks about how he gets recommendations from young people around him, including his daughters, who are closer to the current music scene. This makes his choices feel even more real and honest. He’s genuinely interested in discovering new sounds, and we are lucky that our Nigerian artists are catching his attention.
So, the next time you see President Obama’s music list, take a closer look. You’ll likely find some of your favourite Nigerian Afrobeats stars right there, standing tall among global music giants. It’s a clear sign that Afrobeats is not just a passing trend; it’s a powerful global force, and even a former world leader can’t get enough of our unique, vibrant sound. It’s something for all of us in Nigeria to be truly proud of.
Letter to Uncle Mike, by Fela Odeyemi
Dear Uncle Mike,
I want to express my deepest gratitude for the powerful and moving tribute you wrote in memory of my father, Prof. Olusuyi Odeyemi, published in The Saturday Sun of May 31, 2025. Your words captured the essence of who he was—a visionary, a trailblazing scientist, a devoted educator, and above all, a man who dedicated his life to the service of humanity. Through your eloquent narrative, you not only celebrated his remarkable contributions to science and education but also reminded the world of the enduring impact of his work and values.
Reading your article brought tears and pride. It means so much to our family to see his legacy so thoughtfully honoured by someone who knew and appreciated the depth of his character and achievements. Thank you for immortalising his journey with such grace and dignity. Your tribute will remain a cherished keepsake for generations to come.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Fela Odeyemi.