Nigerian superstar Burna Boy seems to be a favorite in the White House. In 2019, he made the playlist of former U.S. President Barack Obama and then that of Michelle Obama in 2020. Now, the musician’s hit track ‘Destiny’ has been featured on the official inauguration playlist of U.S. President-elect Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
This makes Burna Boy the only Nigerian and African artiste on the playlist. ‘Destiny’ is the 13th track on the music star’s Grammy-nominated ‘African Giant’ album.
The inauguration playlist, which includes 46 songs from various artistes, will give Americans the opportunity to participate in the ceremony from home amid the Covid-19 pandemic, the Presidential Inaugural Committee said. Tony Allen, CEO of the Presidential Inaugural Committee, said the playlist’s objective is to “honor music as a consistent vehicle that has kept us connected through a challenging year”.
“These songs and artistes reflect the relentless spirit and rich diversity of America. They are the score to a new chapter and will help bring people together as the Biden-Harris Administration begins its important work to unite our country,’’ he said.
Issa Rae’s Raedio and DJ D-Nice worked with the inaugural committee to curate the collection of songs. “We know that music has the power to bring people together, and after a year of national challenges and division, we hope this collection serves as an indication of a new beginning, positive change and a reminder that music of all types is a common language,” Raedio president, Benoni Tagoe, said.
Apart from Burna Boy’s ‘Destiny’, other songs from top artistes that made the playlist include Beyoncé’s ‘Find Your Way Back’, Bob Marley and Di Wailers’ ‘Could You Be Loved’, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige’s ‘Now Or Never’, and Biden-Harris campaign’s celebratory theme song, ‘Higher Love’ by Kygo and Whitney Houston.
The playlist is now available on Soundcloud, Apple Music, Spotify, and TIDAL.
Here are all the songs on the playlist:
KOTA the Friend- Lupita’s interlude
The Beatles – Come together
Jason Derulo – Pick up the pieces
Bruce Springsteen – We take care of our won
Daryl Hall and John Oates- You make my dreams come true
The Weeknd- What you need
Mac Miller- Blue World
Heatwave- The Groove line
A Tribe Called Quest -Award Tour
MF Doom – Coffin Nails
Free Nationals- Eternal light
Burna Boy- Destiny
Led Zeppelin- Fool in the rain
Bob Marley & The Wailers – Could You Be Loved
Curtis Mayfield -Move on Up
Jill Scott- Golden
The Impressions -We’re a Winner
Dua Lipa – Levitating
The Doobie Brothers- What a Fool Believes
Bill Withers- Lovely Day
Chris Brown- Mirage
Shania Twain- Still the One
Oddisee- That’s Love
Anitta, Major Lazer- Make It Hot
Whitney Houston, Kygo- Higher Love
Earth, Wind & Fire- That’s the Way of the World
Vampire Weekend- Unbelievers
Beyonce- FIND YOUR WAY BACK
Jackie Wilson – (Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher & Higher
SZA- Good Days
Vampire Weekend- Step
